India batswoman Smriti Mandhana turned 21 today and wishes poured in from all quarters. The young Mandhana has made a massive impact on the team in its ongoing campaign in the ICC Women's World Cup in England. Mandhana hails from a cricketing background as most of her family members have played cricket. And she is now taking the legacy forward.
Mandhana is an all rounder. Apart from being a left-handed batswoman, she can also be a handy right-arm medium pacer. These combinations have truly helped Mandhana to become an asset to the team. The India women cricketers are currently in the semi-final stage where they will face Australia on July 20. Mandhana has scored two ODI centuries, which have proved vital to the team's cause.
Before playing in the World Cup, Mandhana had ruptured an anterior-cruciate ligament while playing in the women's Big Bash League in January. After surgery in Melbourne and intensive rehab at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, Mandhana celebrated her return to Indian colours with a 90 off 72 against England, followed by another hundred against West Indies. The youngster has now made India proud with her performances.
Former India men's opener Virender Sehwag and middle-order batsman Suresh Raina wished Mandhana on her special day. Sehwag also termed her the 'rising star'.