Smriti holds the key to India’s World Cup dream: Veda Krishnamurthy

Former India batter Veda Krishnamurthy believes vice-captain Smriti Mandhana will play a decisive role in India’s quest for a maiden ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title, saying the opener’s performances in the biggest matches could determine how far the team goes in the tournament.

Mandhana enters the World Cup as one of India’s most experienced players and a proven performer across conditions. Veda feels India’s success is closely linked to the left-hander’s form, especially against the strongest opponents.

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“When Smriti scores, India wins. So, she knows that it is very important for her to score in those big games. We’ve seen her do well in World Cups. She has done well in England and is one of those batters who score runs all around the globe,” Veda told JioStar.

India are expected to face formidable opposition during the tournament, including South Africa and Australia, and Veda believes Mandhana’s contributions in those marquee encounters will be crucial.

“So, I hope she does well in all the games, but more importantly, in the big games, against South Africa, against Australia, and hopefully in the semi-final and the final. Because if she scores big in those games, the cup is definitely coming home,” she said.

Veda also backed the squad selected for the tournament, describing it as the strongest combination available despite a few injury setbacks.

“Definitely, the best available squad was picked. Of course, a couple of players missed out because of injury. But apart from that, I cannot put a finger on anyone and say they deserved to be there or would have made a difference to the squad,” Veda noted.

She pointed out that the selectors have placed their faith in experienced players who have returned to the national setup after lengthy absences, a move she believes could pay dividends in a pressure-filled World Cup.

“It’s a perfectly balanced squad. There have been a couple of comebacks. They were out for a really long time, but the selectors have trusted their experience,” she mentioned.

Veda also feels India’s recent World Cup triumph has significantly boosted the team’s confidence and belief heading into another major ICC event.

“I think the World Cup victory is going to play a huge part because, after that, not just Harmanpreet, but the entire team, when you talk to them, the positivity and the aura they have been carrying, there is a lot of confidence. They have realised that they are capable of achieving certain things, and that belief is very important when you go into a World Cup,” Veda said.