Smriti Mandhana needs no introduction. One of the finest batter to have played the game, the southpaw is pillar of Indian cricket. She is one of the most elegant batters in the history of the game. It's been a decade of her serving the Indian team, and her contribution is immense and is still going good. The combination of elegance and strength, Smriti is known to everyone who watches cricket.

However, that was not always the case. She came in to the side when there was not much coverage for women's cricket. There was a time when hardly few people followed the game. Following for the sport drastically increased post 2017 women's world cup, and Smriti had a lioness' share in it. Her story speaks volumes of talent, hardwork and commitment to the game, eventually leading to one of the best.

Brought up in Sangli, Smriti was fascinated by the game since she was a kid. Her family had a cricketing background, with her father and brother having played for district level. Initially Smriti was a right handed batter, however seeing her brother play left handed, she emulated him and turned into a left-handed batter. Little did anyone know, that the original right handed batter would be one of the finest left-hander players of all time.

She had shown early glimpses of her talent. She worked hard in the nets, and her hardwork was rewarded with her getting a place in Maharashtra U-15 when she was just 9 years old. Since then, her combination of talent and focus earned her U-19 and senior Maharashtra squad place. Her efforts were noticed and she earned a place in playing eleven for Women in Blue in April 2013. Even after her debut for Indian team, she was not in the headlines. Little coverage for Women's cricket was not taking notice of her and her teammates.

However, she made everyone take her notice sooner in the same year. Around half a year after her India debut, Smriti was playing domestic cricket for Maharashtra. And in the match against Gujarat, she grabbed attention of media , and cricket fans. She displayed her power hitting ability to hit the first double century by any Indian women in a one day match. Her unbeaten knock of 224 in 150 deliveries brought her in limelight for the first time.

That was for the first time, when few media persons were interested in a knock played in women's domestic cricket. Speaking of the same once Smriti said that she was happy to know that she created the record, but apart from that is was just a normal day. Only the next day she got to know that few people want to interview her. And post the interview again, life was normal for her, where there was hardly any coverage for women's cricket. But her exceptional knock allowed her to be in the headlines for the first time, and since then she made it a habit of remaining in the headlines form most of her life for the right reasons.

The pillar of Indian cricket continued to break older, and create newer records ,now at the international level. She became a constant in the team, and was looked up as a dependable member of the squad. She immensely contributed to the team's cause and helped the team win on most difficult occasions. And times changed for her and the team , in the 2017 world cup. And for it to happen, Smriti had played a major part. Coming after a knee injury to play this world cup, she played a marvellous knock of 90 against England, following it by a thunderous century against West Indies. Her consistent performances were one of the reasons why India could reach to world cup final in 2017. And that final helped the women's team gain popularity in the country.

Smriti Mandhana became a household name. She was considered to be the future legend of the women's game for India, and 6 years post the 2017 world cup, she continues to play the same way making Indians trust what they believed. The chase master of the team is considered to be the next skipper of Indian team. And a journey from a cricket fan who emulated her brother, to being one of the finest is inspiring in all ways. Her unparalleled commitment was the prime reason for it. The first time she received monetary benefits after her debut, she invested all of it to build a concrete pitch at her native place Sangli. It's small yet important steps like these which make a player big.

And all her efforts reflect in her batting. Her cover drives make people believe in magic, her straight lofted shots leave people in admiration, and bowlers in agony. Her sweet timing of the ball makes batting look easy. And her presence on the field makes India believe that no matter what the situation is, we can win. An elegant batter, a strong and clean hitter of cricket ball, chase-master of the team, run machine, and a blessing for India ,Smriti Mandhana turns 27 years old today. And we wish her a very happy birthday, and pray to God to see her bat for eternity.

A poetic tribute to Smriti Mandhana :-