For over a decade, Mithali Raj was the face and foundation of Indian women’s cricket — the calm constant in the batting order who carried the team through thick and thin. Today, that mantle rests firmly on Smriti Mandhana’s shoulders.
Elegant, consistent, and unflinchingly reliable, Mandhana has become the heartbeat of India’s batting unit, especially over the last couple of years.
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But therein lies the concern. The more India’s fortunes hinge on Mandhana, the more fragile their batting appears when she falters. Her cover drives may still light up stadiums, but one player cannot be the pillar holding up an entire batting lineup.
There will be days when Mandhana’s bat stays silent — and on those d
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