'She has lazy elegance of Damien Martyn': Shubman Gill heaps ultimate praise on India's superstar ahead of Women's World Cup

India's campaign in the upcoming Women's World Cup is largely dependent on the exceptional form of Smriti Mandhana. The Indian vice-captain has been in scintillating touch recently, particularly during the three-match ODI series against Australia, where she registered two centuries and a fifty. Her standout performance came in the third ODI, where she broke the record for the fastest century by an Indian cricketer in ODIs, reaching the milestone in just 50 balls. This effort surpassed the previous record of 52 balls set by Virat Kohli against Australia back in 2013.

I think it is kind of Damien Martyn, how Smriti Mandhana plays: Shubman Gill

Mandhana's elegant style of batting has not gone unnoticed by her peers. Shubman Gill, India's Test captain, who is currently in Dubai for the 2025 Asia Cup, praised her technique. Gill likened Mandhana's signature "lazy elegance" at the crease to that of Australian cricket legend, Damien Martyn.

"I think it is kind of Damien Martyn, how she plays. She has that slow, lazy elegance. Technique is something that gets you through tough phases. When you are under pressure or situation is tough, it helps you,” Gill said while speaking on the BCCI Women's channel in a video.

ALSO READ: Suryakumar Yadav's fate decided after ICC's hearing, India captain to bear big penalty; BCCI challenges the final verdict

The Indian T20I vice-captain, Shubman Gill, was clear that he had no specific advice for Smriti Mandhana, simply urging her to continue the way she has been playing of late.

"I actually would not give her any advice and tell her to be herself and keep doing what she is doing," Gill added.

Mandhana's participation in the Women's World Cup warm-up games has been limited; she missed the first match against England on Thursday, September 25, which India unfortunately lost by a massive 153 runs. The Women in Blue have one final warm-up fixture scheduled against New Zealand in Bengaluru on Saturday before the tournament officially begins.

Despite the recent defeat in the practice match, India enters the Women's World Cup as strong favorites. Their campaign is set to kick off on September 30, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Meanwhile, the men's team is focused on the climax of the 2025 Asia Cup. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side is scheduled to play a Super-Four clash against Sri Lanka on Friday. Regardless of that result, India has already secured their place in the tournament final, where they are set to meet arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai on September 28.