POWER of manifestation and goal-setting were the major factors Smriti Mandhana had mentioned as powerful forces in her rise in women’s cricket. The elegant left-handed opening batswoman has made a fine combination of these two forces along with self-belief to overcome every setback in her life -- professional as well as personal. The power of these factors has now put Smriti on the top of the run mountain in international women’s cricket with a series of records to boast of. Hers is a story that deserves to be put in the top bracket where legendary tales of grit and gumption sit pretty. The icon is now an inspiration for women seeking to make a career in sports.

 

The star Indian opener etched her name in the record books surpassing legendary compatriot Mithali Raj to become the highest run-scorer in the history of women’s international cricket across all formats. The 30-year-old achieved the feat during the Women’s Asia Cup match against Hong Kong when went past Raj’s tally of 10,868 runs. Smriti now sits at the top of the all-time list, ahead of New Zealand’s Suzie Bates (10,740 runs) and the retired Mithali. Icing on the cake came in the same innings when she scored her 18th century, the most in women’s international cricket. She left former Australia captain Meg Lanning’s record of 17 tons behind and opened a new peak to conquer for women cricketers. It is a story worth its weight in gold.

 

Smriti has been the backbone of Indian batting across formats. Her lazy elegance matches the beauty of left-handers’ grace when they hold a bat in the hand. The caresses through the off-side or the smart dance down the wicket to hoist the cherry over the ropes, Smriti brings great poise to her batting. And the style is backed by loads of substance as the Indian opener has shown with the blazing trail of records. However, the success that she is enjoying did not come on platter. In fact, women’s cricket in India has been the great pot holding stories of struggle, recognition and acceptance. Though Smriti came into the game at a good time when women’s cricket was turning a corner, she has had her share of problems on the personal front. Right from convincing relatives on pursuing cricket as a career to battling serious injuries, Smriti has proved to be a champion of resilience.

 

Her comebacks have become separate tales of how a fighter’s mindset works when passion for one’s craft meets fire within to excel at any cost. A ligament tear in 2017 had threatened to end her career. But she returned within months and made it to the World Cup squad in the same year. Next year she won the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year award and repeated the feat in 2021. Her current performance is a sterling reply to the naysayers who thought Smriti would be mentally down after her marriage was called off. Instead, the fighter has used the fire to burn all negativity and start another bright chapter in cricket. Smriti still has a long way to go in international cricket. Consolidation of these gains is set to be her next goal. There is no doubt, the champ will succeed.