Nobody Will Marry Her’: Smriti Mandhana’s Journey Against Societal Taunts

Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana recently opened up about the harsh social stigma she faced while pursuing her sporting dreams. During an appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati 15 with Amitabh Bachchan in 2023, Mandhana revealed how her father endured cruel taunts from society, with people dismissing her cricket career by saying “nobody will marry her.” Despite these challenges, her family’s unwavering support enabled her to confidently chase her passion.

A Cricket Legacy Runs Deep

Mandhana comes from a cricket-loving household where her father Shrinivas and brother Shravan both played at the district level for Sangli. Her father’s unfulfilled dream of playing cricket professionally fueled his determination to see at least one of his children represent India in the sport. Smriti recalled how she began observing her brother’s techniques from behind the nets as a young girl, eventually teaching herself batting by watching him play. She even switched from right-handed to left-handed batting after observing her brother’s style.

From Taunts to Triumph

Mandhana’s persistence paid off as she became one of India’s most accomplished female cricketers. She won the Women’s World Cup and received the BCCI Best Women’s International Cricketer award, cementing her legacy in the sport. Her inspiring story demonstrates how parental encouragement and self-belief can help overcome societal prejudices, transforming criticism into motivation for success.