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New Delhi: Breakdown of her marriage might just be the fuel for Smriti Mandhana in her quest for cricketing excellence.
In her first public appearance since calling off her wedding with musician Palash Mucchal, the India vice captain spoke of her love for cricket being a driving force through all adversities.
"I don't think I love anything more than cricket. Wearing that Indian jersey is the motivation that drives us. You keep all your problems aside, and that thought alone helps you focus on life," she said at an event Summit on Wednesday, as quoted by PTI.
The top-order batter reflected on her 12-year journey for the national team, playing a pivotal role in their World Cup triumph a month ago, saying she has single-minded focus on her ambition.
"As a kid, the madness for batting was always there. No one understood it, but in my mind, I always wanted to be called a world champion," the left handed batter said.
Lifting the World Cup trophy was culmination of the team’s long struggle after several heartbreaks and emotions only heightened with the presence of greats Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami in the stands during the final at Navi Mumbai.
"This World Cup was the reward for the battle we fought over the years. We were waiting for it so badly. I’ve been playing for more than 12 years — many times things didn’t go our way,” the 29-year-old said.
"We visualised it before the final, and when we finally saw it on the screen, it gave us goosebumps. It was an incredible, special moment.
"We really wanted to do it for them, badly. Seeing tears in their eyes made it feel like women's cricket itself was winning. It was a battle won for all of them."
Mandhana pointed out that their triumph reinforced that no matter what, playing for the team and starting each innings from scratch.
"You always start an innings at zero, no matter if you scored a hundred before. And don't play for yourself - that's what we kept reminding each other," she said.
