India’s women’s cricket vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has always been known for her elegant stroke play, calm temperament, and remarkable consistency on the field. But over the past few weeks, she’s been in the headlines for a far more personal reason.
On Sunday, December 7, Mandhana confirmed that her wedding to music composer Palaash Muchhal had been called off, ending weeks of speculation that had followed the abrupt postponement of the ceremony originally planned for November 23. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she said she felt “compelled” to clear the air and requested privacy for both families.
“I’m a very private person and I would like to keep it that way, but I need to clarify that the wedding is called off… I request you to please respect the privacy of both families and allow us the space to process and move on at our own pace,” Mandhana wrote.
Finding Strength After a Personal Setback
Even as she deals with this emotional chapter, Mandhana is gearing up for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka later this month. And interestingly, an old interview of hers is resurfacing at just the right time, a reminder of her mental resilience and the mindset that has shaped her as an athlete.
In an interview with Humans of Bombay three years ago, Mandhana spoke about how cricket has helped her handle difficult moments. She shared that she focuses on short-term goals whenever she feels low.
“It’s pretty easy for me. I have short-term goals. Say if I feel low today, I’ll just start writing what I have to work on for the next six or seven days… Once I start doing that, I forget what’s happening,” she said.
Shifting her focus to the next task, she explained, gives her something to look forward to. “When I change my headspace into what I have to do in the next 6–7 days… there’s so much to look forward to.”
She also emphasized one lesson cricket has taught her again and again: every day is a fresh start.
“You always start your day as a new day because you start your innings on zero, even if you scored a hundred the previous day,” Mandhana said. “Whatever happens in your life, the next day is a fresh day.”
What Truly Motivates Smriti Mandhana
Mandhana recently appeared at the Amazon Sambhav Summit, where she spoke openly about what keeps her motivated. And the answer was simple: her love for cricket.
“I don’t think I love anything more than cricket,” the 29-year-old said. “Wearing that Indian jersey is what motivates us. You set aside all your problems, and that thought alone helps you focus. As a kid, the madness for batting was always there… I always wanted to be called a world champion.” Even in challenging times, that passion clearly hasn’t faded.
Focus on Sri Lanka Series
With the Sri Lanka series approaching, Mandhana appears determined to channel her energy back into the sport she loves the most. While she’s requested privacy in her personal life, her message both in her statement and in her past interviews reflects a mindset rooted in discipline, clarity, and inner strength.
For her fans, teammates, and the cricketing world, one thing’s certain: Smriti Mandhana is ready to move forward, start again from zero, and keep doing what she does best, batting with heart, purpose, and resilience.
