It surely augurs well and coincides with festive tidings when Indian Women’s talismanic opener-southpaw, Smriti Mandhana gets back into her groove, her timing is on song and unleashed are classic cover drives over the infield. With divine century after a dubious nought in previous match, she’s back in business !
In 3rd final ODI against KIWIs, Smriti regained her form, inexplicably lost in last few innings including the soft dismissals in the WC T20 that India failed to qualify against all expectations and NZ sealed it off with a magnificent show. It’s evident when Smriti strikes at the top, India end up winning side, this series ending 2-1 in India’s favour.
For cricket buffs, importantly there’s the Third and Final Test on 1st Nov, post Diwali against the resurgent, surcharged Kiwis where ‘Men in India Whites’ must find their redemption with a convincing victory, one for pride and other for retaining the top place in WC rankings. Stats show a must win 4 out of 6 Test matches (incl. 5 Down Under !).
While it’s unfair to draw comparisons, a classy batter of legendary status like Virat with 9000 runs under his belt, may take a leaf out of Smriti’s ton yesterday after a series of lack lustre displays. Of course, no Southees or Santners were coming at our Women in their match, yet Virat has seen off many greats when he conquered like Kohli the ‘King’ !
It’s said that big players rise to the occasion and champions fashion their way out of any adversity and Virat has his records, experience, adoring crowds & love of fans behind him. More battles are fought in the minds than on the (battle) fields and even if there’s DRS & ‘Umpires Call’, that shouldn’t rattle him. Bring out that stuff you’re made of, Virat ! It’s not all up to Virat also – Hitman must lead by example, not leave all the heavy lifting to young Jaiswal.
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