India women’s cricket vice-captain and top-ranked batter Smriti Mandhana has opened up about how she deals with difficult emotions, revealing that she prefers to withdraw and remain quiet rather than discuss her feelings with others.
Mandhana, one of the leading batters in women’s cricket, said she strongly dislikes receiving sympathy when she is upset. The 30-year-old left-hander explained that she would rather handle difficult moments privately and continue presenting herself as a positive and strong person.
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Speaking to podcaster Raj Shamani, Mandhana described her approach to sadness and emotional situations.
“I just go quiet for a very long time,” she said.
Mandhana said she tends to become withdrawn when she is overwhelmed. She also revealed that there are moments when she cries privately, but does not like people around her to notice that she is struggling.
The cricketer said sympathy from others makes her uncomfortable, particularly when people assume that something significant must have happened simply because she appears sad.
“I hate sympathy, any sort of sympathy,” Mandhana said.
She explained that people may approach her after a difficult moment, such as getting out during a cricket match, and ask what happened. While such concern may be well-intentioned, Mandhana said she does not want to be treated as someone who needs pity.
Her approach, she said, is rooted in wanting people to see her as someone who can handle difficult situations on her own.
“Don’t look at me like I am a bechari. I am fine. I am strong,” she said.
Mandhana also spoke about why she generally avoids discussing personal matters in interviews. She said she prefers to keep family issues and other private concerns away from public conversations.
The batter said she wants people to focus on the person she is and the cricket she plays rather than attempting to understand her through personal struggles.
“That’s why I never speak in interviews about family issues,” she said.
Mandhana added that she would rather be viewed as a “happy soul” and hopes her cricket can inspire people.
“Get inspired by the game, not by the story,” she said.
The comments offer an insight into how one of India’s most recognisable cricketers manages the attention that comes with playing at the highest level. Mandhana has been a prominent figure in Indian women’s cricket and serves as Harmanpreet Kaur’s deputy across formats.
Her performances have also made her one of the leading names in the international game. Mandhana played an important role in India’s 2025 Women’s World Cup triumph and remains the top-ranked batter in the world, according to the report.
Despite her public profile, Mandhana has maintained a relatively private approach to matters away from cricket. Her latest comments underline that distinction, with the batter making it clear that she does not want personal difficulties to become the focus of public attention.
For Mandhana, the message to fans is straightforward: appreciate the cricket, draw inspiration from the performances and allow her private life to remain private.
