Shubman Gill & Smriti Mandhana
Gill Compares Mandhana to Damien Martyn Ahead of World Cup (Credits : "X")

Overview:

She recently smashed a century off just 50 balls against Australia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, making her the fastest Indian woman to achieve this feat in ODIs.

Shubman Gill recently compared Smriti Mandhana and former Australian batter Damien Martyn. Mandhana, preparing for the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup, recently smashed a century off just 50 balls against Australia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, making her the fastest Indian woman to achieve this feat in ODIs.

Although India lost the series 1-2, Smriti Mandhana delivered an outstanding performance with the bat. Across the three games, she amassed 300 runs, which included two centuries, earning her the Player of the Series award. She also set a new record for the highest ODI runs by an Indian woman in a single calendar year.

“She reminds me a bit of Damien Martyn in the way she plays. She has that slow and lazy elegance. It’s her technique that really stands out, and that’s what helps her in difficult moments. When things get tough or the pressure is high, it helps you,” Shubman Gill.

Gill praised Mandhana’s recent performances and encouraged her to keep batting with the same confidence and flair.

“I honestly wouldn’t give her any advice. I’d just tell her to be herself and keep doing what she’s already doing,” Gill added.

Smriti Mandhana did not feature in India’s warm-up match against England on Thursday in Bengaluru. Her availability for Saturday’s clash against Sophie Devine’s New Zealand side is still uncertain. India are set to kick off their Women’s World Cup campaign on 30 September, facing Chamari Athapaththu-led Sri Lanka at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill has scored 111 runs across five matches in the Asia Cup so far and will be eager to regain his best form in India’s upcoming match against Sri Lanka on Friday.

V M Suriya Narayanan is a passionate cricket writer who has been following the game since 2007. With a background in Civil Engineering (B.E.), he blends analytical thinking with a deep understanding of...