Argus News - “I don't think I love…”: Smriti Mandhana Opens up Just Days after Wedding Heartbreak

Bhubaneswar, Dec 11: Indian women’s cricket team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana made her first public appearance since her wedding to music composer Palash Muchhal was called off, for the first time since announcing the cancellation of her wedding to music composer Palash Muchhal, marking a moment of resilience as she shifted the spotlight firmly back onto her cricketing journey.

Appearing at an event this week, the 29-year-old spoke with clarity and conviction about her enduring relationship with the sport, her approach to overcoming personal challenges, and the emotional high of India’s historic ICC Women’s ODI World Cup triumph.

Mandhana, known for her calm demeanour and disciplined work ethic, addressed the audience with a sense of grounded confidence. She emphasised that cricket has always been her anchor, especially during turbulent phases of her personal life.

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Reflecting on how she navigates difficult moments, she said her commitment to preparation and consistency remains unchanged. “I have always been a very simple person, not complicating my life by overthinking anything. One thing I believe is that if you put a lot of work in behind the scenes, because what happens on the ground, everyone looks at and judges, but what I judge myself or the team on is the work we put in behind the scenes,” said the stylish left-handed batter.

“I really pride myself on doing that work day in, day out. Even if I'm feeling good or bad about things, whatever it is, I think if you put in that work, when you go out to bat, you're just very confident about what's going to happen,” she said further.

Her remarks came just a month after India lifted their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title on November 2, defeating South Africa in a gripping final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Speaking at the Amazon Sambhav Summit, Mandhana described the victory as the culmination of years of collective effort, sacrifice, and belief. She reiterated that her passion for the sport remains the driving force behind everything she does.

“I don't think I love anything more than cricket. Wearing that Indian jersey is what motivates us. You set aside all your problems, and that thought alone helps you focus on life. As a kid, the madness for batting was always there. No one understood it, but in my mind, I always wanted to be called a World Champion,” she said.

The vice-captain recalled the emotional weight of the World Cup win, calling it a moment the team had envisioned repeatedly. “Winning the World Cup was the reward for the battle we fought over the years. We were waiting for it so badly. I've been playing for more than 12 years and many times things didn't go our way. We visualised it before the final, and when we finally saw it on the screen, it gave us goosebumps. It was a special moment for all of us,” she added.

Mandhana’s appearance also came on the heels of a deeply personal announcement. On Sunday, she confirmed through an Instagram post that her wedding to Palash Muchhal had been called off, ending weeks of speculation after the ceremony was abruptly postponed. In her statement, she urged the public and media to respect the privacy of both families.

“Over the past few weeks there has been plenty of speculation around my life and I feel it is important for me to speak out at this time. I am a very private person and I would like to keep it that way but I need to clarify that the wedding is called off. I would like to close this matter here and implore all of you to do the same. I request you to please respect the privacy of both families at this time and allow us the space to process and move on at our own pace,” she wrote.

Despite the emotional strain, Mandhana made it clear that her focus remains firmly on her cricketing responsibilities. She concluded her message by reaffirming her long-term commitment to the national team.

“I believe there is a higher purpose driving us all and for me that has always been representing my country at the highest level. I hope to continue to play and win trophies for India for as long as possible and that is where my focus will forever be. Thank you for all your support. It's time to move forward.”