Once smriti

When Smriti Mandhana: When Smriti Mandhana walked into the press conference room after India’s four-run defeat to England handed them their third loss in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, the mood was unmistakably sombre as her heartbreak laid bare.

Just a couple of moments ago, Smriti was left emotional in the dugout when India bottled yet another chase to lose by four runs. Now, coming forward to explain a loss India had no business to be there in the first place, Smriti’s voice echoed her sheer disappointment and the gloom set in the Indian camp.

Her eyes conveyed heartbreaking sadness, while her brows were slightly furrowed and the unsmiling expression carried the weight of introspection. She’s often hard on herself, but in that moment, the weight of losing the match despite being in a winning position was palpable.