'I don't cry for my real life': Smriti Mandhana's straight reply

Smriti Mandhana (AFP Photo)NEW DELHI: India women's cricket team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is one of the biggest names in women's cricket. Over the years, she has become one of the key players for India and has inspired many young cricketers with her batting and leadership.However, while her cricket career has continued to grow, Mandhana has also gone through a difficult phase in her personal life. Her marriage was called off last year.Mandhana has not spoken publicly about Palash Muchhal, the man she was supposed to marry. During a recent podcast with Shamani, she was asked about the hardest night of her life.Mandhana took a long pause before making it clear that she wanted to speak only about cricket.Smriti Mandhana asked about the last time she criedDuring the conversation, Shamani asked Mandhana a direct question."When was the last time you cried??" Shamani asked.Mandhana appeared emotional and paused for several seconds before answering the question."Good question. I don't remember. You know, I cry for movies. I don't cry for my real life," Mandhana said.The India star then spoke about a movie that made her emotional."If I watch a movie, I cry. So I think I was watching Mosafir Cafe and it just got me emotional, happy emotional. And I cried," she said.Mandhana then explained why the movie made her emotional."It was very nice. Not even. I got very happy emotion. I was like, yeah, man. I also want to do something like just leave everything, just," she said.Smriti Mandhana's focus remains on cricketMandhana has largely stayed away from discussing her personal life in public after her marriage was called off.Even during the podcast, she chose to keep the conversation focused on her cricket journey when asked about the difficult period in her life.The India opener now faces another big challenge as India take on Sri Lanka in the Women's Asia Cup final in Dubai.Vivek Razdan wants Mandhana to play her natural gameFormer India men's cricketer Vivek Razdan believes Mandhana will be one of the most important players for India in the final.India enter Sunday's final as favourites, but defending champions Sri Lanka cannot be taken lightly after their comeback win over Pakistan in the semifinal."The Indian team is a very strong team. But you can't underestimate Sri Lanka, especially the way they played against Pakistan. After being 33/4, they chased down the required target. Despite Athapaththu being out early, you can see how much batting depth the team has," Razdan told IANS in a virtual interaction organised by Sony Sports Network.Razdan also praised India's bowling attack, which has played an important role in the tournament. He, however, wants Mandhana to focus on her own strengths instead of trying to match the aggressive approach of Shafali Verma.'Smriti sometimes tries to be Shafali'Shafali and Mandhana have been India's main run-scorers in the tournament so far, with 168 and 154 runs respectively.Razdan said India need to improve their batting in the powerplay and highlighted the importance of Mandhana staying at the crease for a long time."The Indian team bowling line-up is very strong. You can talk about N Sree Charni, Shafali, or Deepti. All of them have been very strong in these games. But there is one thing that needs to be worked on - how do you bat in powerplay?"In the last game, Shafali scored a fifty against Bangladesh, but she survived three dropped catches and one run-out chance. Regarding Smriti Mandhana, it is very important for her to play for a long time. I don't know why, but I feel that Smriti sometimes tries to be Shafali. That's not her game."Razdan's big expectation from MandhanaRazdan believes India can put up a big total if the top order avoids losing wickets early.With India's middle and lower order capable of finishing strongly, he feels Mandhana's role at the top could prove decisive on Dubai's slow pitches."If you can play the powerplay without losing a wicket, you will be able to post a big score because all of this depends on the top four. We have some batters who can help you at the back end. But if you want to win the match and the final, I will have a special eye on someone to do it, and it will be Smriti Mandhana."