Smriti, the quiet leader that leads by example

Shikha Pandey, a former teammate of Smriti Mandhana, recalls the quiet leadership qualities that set Mandhana apart even in her teenage years. Mandhana's maturity, intelligence, and kindness were evident even during the 2014 T20 World Cup lead-up, where she displayed composure and responsibility as an opener. Pandey, then, noted Mandhana's keen eye for tactics and game awareness, even at a young age.

In addition, Pandey mentions how Mandhana took charge as captain of Maharashtra U19s, demonstrating her leadership skills further. Pandey's observations suggest that Mandhana's biggest strength lies in her calm, composed demeanor and her ability to lead by example. This approach remained consistent as Mandhana evolved into a captain, leading RCB to two Women's Premier League titles and later guiding the Indian team to a World Cup victory under Harmanpreet Kaur.

However, Mandhana's style of leadership is expected to be quieter and more measured compared to Kaur's. Coach RX Muralidhar highlights Mandhana's empathetic nature and her talent for understanding her players' needs, allowing her to tailor her support accordingly. Muralidhar also recalls a specific instance where Mandhana recognized her team's previous approach was ineffective and led the team to change their strategy, showcasing her ability to adapt and make crucial decisions.

The coach further emphasizes Mandhana's willingness to trust her players and give them opportunities, which speaks volumes about her leadership capabilities. Muralidhar also notes Mandhana's ability to separate her captaincy from her batting, ensuring that her performance on the field remains unaffected by her leadership responsibilities.

Ultimately, Mandhana's journey as a leader will involve handling different personalities, making tough decisions, and ensuring the team remains united while giving her players the confidence to express themselves.