India’s cricketer Shubman Gill has expressed admiration for Smriti Mandhana, praising her batting style for its “lazy elegance,” reminiscent of former Australian batter Damien Martyn. Mandhana recently made headlines by becoming India’s fastest centurion in women’s ODIs, scoring 100 off just 50 balls against Australia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
Despite India losing the series 1-2, Mandhana was named Player of the Series, finishing as the leading run-scorer with 300 runs, including two centuries. She also set a new record for the most Women’s ODI runs by an Indian in a calendar year.
Speaking on the BCCI Women’s channel, Gill said,
"I think it is kind of Damien Martyn, how she plays. She has that slow, lazy elegance. Technique is something that gets you through tough phases. When you are under pressure or situation is tough, it helps you."
Keep Doing What You’re Doing
Gill, currently part of India men’s Asia Cup squad in the UAE, advised Mandhana to continue being herself and maintain her current form.
"I actually would not give her any advice and tell her to be herself and keep doing what she is doing," he added.
Mandhana did not play in India’s warm-up match against England in Bengaluru, and it is yet to be confirmed if she will take the field against New Zealand on Saturday. India’s Women’s World Cup campaign officially begins on September 30 against Sri Lanka at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
Gill, meanwhile, has scored 111 runs from five matches in the Asia Cup and will aim to return to top form against Sri Lanka on Friday, ahead of India’s match against Pakistan on September 28 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
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