Smriti Mandhana Sends Love to Young Fan in Kashmir
Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana recently shared a touching message for a young fan she connected with in Kashmir. Filmmaker Kabir Khan shared photos from his visit to the picturesque Aru Valley, where he met a young girl who expressed her admiration for Mandhana, calling her her favorite player.
As Mandhana prepares to play in India’s five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka starting on December 21, she noticed Kabir’s heartwarming post and responded in a way that delighted many on social media.
Kabir Khan captured the moment perfectly, saying, “Walking with my camera in Kashmir always rewards me with magical moments. Like this little girl in Aru who wanted me to tell Smriti Mandhana that she is her favorite player. I hope Smriti gets to see this post.”
Mandhana replied with warmth, saying, “Please give the little champ in Aru a big hug from me and tell her I’m cheering for her too!”
Aiming for a Milestone
As the series opener against Sri Lanka approaches, Mandhana is on the verge of a significant achievement: she is just 18 runs away from becoming the first Indian woman to score 4,000 runs in T20Is. She has already made a mark with 3,982 runs from 153 matches at an average of 29.93.
The milestone was first reached by New Zealand’s Suzie Bates. Mandhana’s impressive performance includes one century and 31 half-centuries, showcasing her talent and consistency.
Her stellar run in the recent Women’s World Cup significantly contributed to India’s success. Mandhana amassed 434 runs over nine games, averaging 54.25, breaking the record for the most runs by an Indian in a single Women’s ODI World Cup.
Her efforts included a century against New Zealand and key contributions to India’s final match against South Africa, where she scored 45 runs. Mandhana’s remarkable journey continues to inspire fans and fellow players alike.
