Amol Mazumdar, the head coach of the World Cup winning Indian women’s cricket team, recently shared his thoughts on Smriti Mandhana’s extraordinary contributions to Indian cricket. According to Mazumdar, Smriti is nothing short of magnificent. He describes her as an intricate player who loves to delve into the finer details of batting, a quality that has clearly translated into impressive performances on the field.
“Magnificent. Absolutely magnificent. She is, how do I explain? I’m short of words, generally I’m not. But with Smriti She is a very intricate player,” Amol Muzumdar shared.
Smriti Mandhana’s impact over the last 24 months has been phenomenal, not only during the World Cup but throughout recent Indian cricket history. She has amassed the most runs for India in the World Cup 2025, scoring a remarkable 434 runs. Currently ranked as the number 2 batter in ICC ODI rankings, she has firmly established herself as one of the best openers in Indian cricket.
Mazumdar emphasizes the deeper role Smriti plays in the team beyond her statistical achievements. She has instilled a strong belief within the entire squad and even the support staff. Her presence and confidence have given the team faith that they can compete with and defeat the best teams in the world. This mental edge that she brings is arguably as valuable as her runs on the scoreboard.
Having witnessed many players over the years, Mazumdar boldly asserts that Smriti is probably the best left-hander he has ever seen. This is high praise coming from a coach who understands the nuances of the game at the highest level. Smriti’s ability to combine elegance with effectiveness makes her a standout batter, effortlessly blending technical skill with aggressive strokes.
“She loves to go into intricate detail about batting. No wonder we see the results, what she gets. And I’ll tell you, just don’t look at the World Cup. If you see in the last 24 months, what she has done in Indian cricket is phenomenal. The reason why I say that is that she has given a belief to each and every person in the team.
“And I mean even the support staff. The belief to beat the best in the world and to be the best in the world. She has given that belief in the team. Just a magnificent player. I’ve seen some players over the years but probably the best left-hander I’ve seen,” Muzumdar added.
Her knack for consistently delivering against top quality bowling attacks has made her indispensable at the top of the order. She sets the tone for the Indian innings, providing stability and momentum, which allows the middle order to capitalize. This consistency is a hallmark of great players and an essential ingredient in India’s current success on the world stage.
Smriti’s contributions also reflect on the changing landscape of women’s cricket in India. As vice-captain or senior batter, her influence goes beyond runs; she acts as a role model and a beacon of inspiration for younger players coming through the ranks. Her success helps build a culture of excellence and professional commitment that shapes the future of the team.
Smriti Mandhana’s cricketing journey underlines the significance of talent combined with a deep understanding of the game and the ability to inspire a collective belief within a team. Under Amol Mazumdar’s guidance, she has blossomed into a world class opener, whose performances and leadership are key pillars of India’s formidable presence in women’s cricket today.
(Quotes sourced from CNN News18)
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