Keep Doing What You’re Doing”: Shubman Gill Praises Mandhana’s Approach Ahead of Women’s World Cup

Indian Test skipper Shubman Gill heaped praise on India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana ahead of the Women’s World Cup 2025. Mandhana, who is currently in the form of her life, recently smashed the fastest century against Australia in the 3-match ODI series. Despite India losing the series, she was the standout performer, scoring nearly 300 runs to finish as the highest run-scorer of the tour.

With the World Cup being held in India, her red-hot form has become a huge boost for the team’s confidence as they aim to lift their first-ever Women’s World Cup title. Speaking at a press conference ahead of India’s Asia Cup 2025 clash against Sri Lanka, Gill shared his thoughts on Mandhana’s impact.

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Shubman Gill Backs Mandhana to Stay True to Her Game

Gill applauded her consistency and advised her to stick to what she’s doing, underlining how her current form in ODIs will be crucial for India in the upcoming World Cup.

"I actually would not give her any advice and tell her to be herself and keep doing what she is doing," Gill said in a video message.

He went a step further and compared Mandhana’s batting style to that of former Australian batter Damien Martyn, known for his signature flair and effortless strokeplay. Gill pointed out the similarities in their “lazy elegance” and graceful shot-making.

"I think it is kind of Damien Martyn, how she plays. She has that slow, lazy elegance. Technique is something that gets you through tough phases. When you are under pressure or the situation is tough, it helps you,” Gill added in the video shared on the BCCI Women’s channel.

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Mandhana’s Availability Uncertain Ahead of World Cup Opener

Meanwhile, Mandhana missed India’s first warm-up game against England on Thursday in Bengaluru, and it remains to be seen whether she’ll feature in the second warm-up match against Sophie Devine’s New Zealand on Saturday.

India’s World Cup campaign gets underway on September 30 as they take on co-host Sri Lanka at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.

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