Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana recently showcased her gracious and down-to-earth personality by sending a touching message to a young admirer from Kashmir, shortly before achieving a monumental milestone on the cricket field.
A Magical Encounter in the Aru Valley
Renowned filmmaker Kabir Khan, while on a visit to Kashmir, shared a heartwarming story from the picturesque Aru Valley. He posted on social media about meeting a little girl who expressed that Smriti Mandhana was her favourite cricketer. Kabir Khan's post captured the essence of the region, mentioning how children play cricket with a mountain stream as their boundary, where a hit for a six could send the ball flowing down into the Jhelum river.
He wrote about the encounter, hoping the Indian vice-captain would see his post. Mandhana, who is currently part of the Indian team playing a five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, did see it and responded promptly.
Mandhana's Heartfelt Response Goes Viral
Smriti Mandhana replied to Kabir Khan's post with a message that instantly won over fans. She requested him to give the "little champ in Aru a big hug from me and tell her I'm cheering for her too!" This simple, warm reply highlighted her connection with fans and her humble nature, creating a viral moment of kindness in the world of sports.
Creating History on the Cricket Pitch
Soon after this touching exchange, Smriti Mandhana turned her attention to the cricket field and scripted history. During the first Women's T20 International against Sri Lanka in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, she achieved a phenomenal landmark.
Mandhana became the first Indian woman cricketer to score more than 4,000 runs in T20 internationals. This feat makes her only the second woman in the world to reach this mark, following New Zealand legend Suzie Bates, who currently has 4,716 runs.
Mandhana's achievement is even more impressive considering her strike rate. She reached the 4,000-run milestone in just 3,227 balls, which is faster than Bates, who took 3,675 balls to get there.
In the match, which was her first international appearance since India's ODI World Cup victory last month, Mandhana scored 25 runs off 25 balls before being dismissed in the ninth over. India successfully chased down Sri Lanka's total of 121 for six, with Vishmi Gunaratne being the top scorer for the visitors with 39 runs.
The combination of a genuine, fan-friendly gesture and a record-breaking performance has cemented Smriti Mandhana's status not just as a cricketing powerhouse, but also as a beloved role model for aspiring athletes across the nation.
