By Trisha Ghosal in New Delhi
After a run-fest at the Arun Jaitley Stadium where Australia’s 412 was nearly matched by India in a 781-run decider, Indian vice captain Smriti Mandhana fronted the media to speak about India’s learnings from the series, the team’s strengths, and the road ahead to the World Cup.
On team reliance and match-winners
Mandhana dismissed suggestions that India’s batting leans too heavily on her. “Everyone in this squad is a match-winner, not just the eleven but all fifteen,” she said. “In the last 12 months, Pratika, Harleen, Jemimah, Harman—everyone has got a hundred. We’ve crossed 300-plus even when I’ve got out early. That shows there’s no reliance on anyone in particular.”
On fielding consistency
The opener admitted that India’s fielding remains a pressing concern. “Some days we look like a different fielding side, some days not. The key is consistency—not just individual brilliance but fielding together as a unit. That’s something we want to address before the World Cup.”
On World Cup combinations
Mandhana confirmed India will not lock themselves into one playing XI. “We’ll be very flexible. One-day World Cups are long, and conditions across India vary. Some days more pacers will play, some days more spinners, maybe even an extra batter. The important thing is that our squad of 15 looks ready.”
On batting approach and memorable knocks
Reflecting on her innings in the chase, Mandhana said she wouldn’t call it her best. “When you’re chasing 413, there’s no other gear to play in. A knock becomes truly memorable when it wins the team the match. I did enjoy batting with Harman though.”
On “Zen mode” and growth
Asked about her calmness at the crease, Mandhana smiled: “I’ve been in Zen mode since I was a kid. Scoring or not scoring, I stay calm. What’s changed in the last year is my work ethic and routines off the field. That’s made a big difference, though I’m still learning and improving.”
On the series takeaways
The vice-captain stressed that the three ODIs were never about confidence swings. “Australia are the best opposition to test ourselves against. This series was about finding combinations, understanding strengths and weaknesses. The belief in winning the World Cup is always there.”
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