Indian women’s cricket team opener, Smriti Mandhana, finally returned home to Maharashtra to a Maharashtrian style welcome. She helped the team to make it to the finals, even though they eventually lost the glory to England. Yet the entire team received resounding appreciation not only from the home base but from all across the world for making it to the finals after more than a decade.
Smriti Mandhana shot into the limelight as her World Cup campaign got off to a dream start. She scored 90 and a 106 not out in the first two games of the tournament. Though her form took a dip soon after, India was able to make it to the finals thanks to others who chipped in. The girl from Sangli was successful in establishing herself as a prominent player and will look forward to a long career in the sport.
Smriti Mandhana, right from the beginning of the tournament, took social media by storm after she scored the two big knocks. She became a rage on several social media platforms not only for fetching bravado but also because people noticed her for her pretty looks.
When the southpaw returned to her hometown, she instantly became the centre of attention as her neighbours surrounded her to present a celebratory welcome and even jostled to click selfies with her.
In honour of India’s new poster girl!
A cricket-themed cake was cut in her name, belatedly celebrating her birthday which was on the 18th of July. This is a Twitter picture.
Smriti Mandhana Cuts cake!
Also in another picture, we see a man playing kombu in her glory.
Smriti Mandhana returns home!
The 21-year-old already has the world at her feet, and she is only just starting out.
Smriti with her proud parents!
But the a grand welcome was exactly what she deserved after making an entire nation proud with her batting.
Mandhana will now look to start afresh and prepare for the T20 World Cup, that is scheduled to be held next year. However, that could very well be the last international tournament for Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami.
Smriti Mandhana Virat Kohli
She came into the tournament after recovering from an injury, hence looks forward to the much needed rest.
