Shreyanka Patil shared how Smriti Mandhana's encouragement inspired her to deliver an impressive performance in the third and final T20I against England Women on December 10 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.
The 21-year-old earned the ‘Player of the Match’ award for her outstanding figures of 4-0-19-3. The young player got the wickets of Bess Heath, Sophie Ecclestone, and Freya Kemp, contributing to India's victory in the match by four wickets.
"I remember you having a chat around my bowling today. Give only 100 percent, 120 percent doesn't work. That's what she mentioned. Today I gave my 100 percent, and we got the result that we wanted," Shreyanka was quoted as saying in an interview with Mandhana, uploaded on BCCI's official website.
Mandhana gave Shreyanka her maiden India cap before the first T20I at Wankhede Stadium. Shreyanka is a part of Mandhana-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Women's Premier League (WPL).
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"I have been dreaming since I was a kid and then, getting the cap from you was a special moment. I will always mention this and have written it in my notebook," she added.
Mandhana expressed joy as India returned to the winning track after losses in the first two matches. Drawing a comparison between Shreyanka's nature and that of Jemimah Rodrigues, she noted that players like them contribute to maintaining a positive atmosphere in the dressing room.
"I am really happy that we got the first win after a long time. Hopefully, we can continue this form in the Test," Mandhana said.
"I think I found another Jemi-like in terms of the way you look, you are both always chirping, always keeping the dressing room light. Somehow, these kinds of characters are really important in the team environment," Mandhana added.
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