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"Still sinking in": Smriti Mandhana expresses raw emotions after India's World Cup victory

Akshita Patel

Smriti Mandhana reacts to historic win [Source: @RcbianOfficial/X.com]Smriti Mandhana reacts to historic win [Source: @RcbianOfficial/X.com]

It was a tearful, emotional yet joyful night at the DY Patil Sports Academy, as India Women lifted their first ever ICC Women’s World Cup trophy. Among the many emotional faces on the field, Smriti Mandhana’s heartfelt words stood out, as they were raw, honest, and straight from the heart.

Defending 299 runs in the second inning against South Africa, Deepti Sharma stood up with a five-wicket-haul. Shafali Verma bowled an impactful spell, picking up 2 crucial wickets as the Proteas were restricted to 246.

Smriti Mandhana reflects on World Cup campaign

Moments after India sealed their first-ever World Cup title, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana struggled to put her feelings into words. 

"Well, I don't know how to react. Still sinking in. Haven't been emotional on a cricket field. But yeah, a home World Cup unreal moment. Just to read — champions India, can't process it."

For Mandhana, this victory was years in the making. Having experienced some devastating losses in past editions, she shared her thoughts about the long and sometimes painful process to get to this stage.

"I mean, you know every World Cup we go in, there have been so many heartbreaks for us. We always believed that we have a bigger responsibility. Nice to see people come and support us. Hard to explain the last 45 days, India winning the World Cup today, I will take the 45 days of not sleeping."

The left-handed opener, who contributed to India's campaign with 434 runs, spoke about how the team worked on improved fitness, mental skills and unity following the disappointment from the last T20 World Cup. 

But more than individual brilliance, Smriti Mandhana credited India’s triumph to the togetherness within the dressing room.

"The last T20 World Cup was difficult for all of us to take. We had a clear focus on to work on our fitness. Trying to be better in each and every aspect. But the super strength of this team is the way everyone just stuck in. We were there for each other, good days, bad days, we enjoyed each other's success. I mean I just can't tell you the way the team environment is and that is the magic."

Smriti Mandhana surely played a huge role in India’s historic World Cup victory. It marks the beginning of a new era as Women’s cricket continues to shine in India.