India's vice-captain Smriti Mandhana opened up about the team’s journey through past World Cup heartbreaks, highlighting the challenges they had faced along the way. Notably, India defeated South Africa in the title decider by 52 runs at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai to clinch their maiden ODI World Cup.
'I’ll take those 45 sleepless nights any day': Smriti Mandhana
Smriti, who is the second-highest run-getter in the mega event with 434 runs in nine matches at an average of 54.25, including two half-centuries and one century, revealed that she was sleepless throughout the Women's ODI World Cup campaign.
"Every World Cup we’ve gone into, there have been so many heartbreaks for all of us. But we always believed that we had a bigger responsibility - not just to win, but to keep growing women’s cricket. And honestly, just look at the support we’ve had over the last month and a half. It’s been incredible. To finally lift the World Cup today - I’ll take those 45 sleepless nights any day for this moment" said Smriti Mandhana.
Smriti Mandhana on the last World Cup
Smriti Mandhana also said that the last World Cup campaign was tough for the Women in Blue, but after that forgettable campaign, they focused on getting fit, strong and better in every area where they can work. India got knocked out of the last edition of the World Cup before the semifinals.
"That last World Cup was definitely tough for all of us to take. But after that, we had a clear focus - to get fitter, stronger, and better in every area. And honestly, what’s special about this team - and no one really talks about it - is how much we stuck together. Everyone supported each other, through good days and bad. We genuinely celebrated each other’s success. The team environment this time… it was just so positive, so connected. That’s been the biggest difference, I think" said Smriti Mandhana after India's maiden World Cup win.