“No place for individual achievements”: Smriti Mandhana opens up on biggest regret
Despite earning BCCI Women’s Cricketer of the Year and ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year honors, Smriti Mandhana feels 2024 wasn’t her best year due to India’s early exit from the T20 World Cup. She scored 743 runs in 13 ODIs and became the first woman to score four ODI centuries in a year, but remains focused on the team’s goal of winning a World Cup.
Smriti expressed, “If I were to choose, 2024 would have been my best year, both personally and for the team, especially considering how the World Cup could have unfolded for us. However, that particular World Cup holds a special place for us as the Indian team, and it was a really disappointing experience.”
She went on to explain, “The year 2024 was both sweet and bitter for many reasons. But I wouldn’t call it my best year because, in a team sport like cricket, it’s not just about individual achievements. We didn’t win the World Cup, and for me, the best year will always be the one where we clinch that trophy, both for the team and for myself.”
Reflecting on her approach, she added, “We really need to keep things simple as a team. At this point, I don’t believe in looking too far into the future. I’ve never been that kind of person. I prefer to focus on what I can do today—whether that’s in the gym or in practice. When I get those things right, that’s when I feel ready to perform well on the field.”
Smriti Mandhana’s performance in 2024 set several new records. She became the first female cricketer to score four ODI centuries in a single year. She was also the top run-scorer in ODIs for 2024, surpassing Laura Wolvaardt, Tammy Beaumont, and Hayley Matthews. Mandhana hit the most boundaries in women’s ODIs that year, with 95 fours and six sixes, totaling 101 boundary strikes. Additionally, she was a key contributor in India’s record ODI total of 435 during a 3-0 series win over Ireland.
Although Smriti Mandhana missed the ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year award to Amelia Kerr, she remains optimistic. With the 2025 WPL and a busy international schedule ahead, she is focused on turning her personal successes into team victories for India.
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