India’s women’s cricket vice-captain, Smriti Mandhana, made her first public appearance after calling off her wedding with music composer Palash Muchhal, sharing insights on navigating personal challenges.

At a recent event, Mandhana emphasized her enduring passion for cricket, explaining how her dedication to the sport helps her stay grounded even when her personal life faces hurdles. The 29-year-old also reflected on India’s landmark triumph at the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup.

Discussing her approach to preparation, she stated, “I’ve always kept life simple and avoid overcomplicating things. The effort we put in behind the scenes matters the most. While everyone sees the performance on the field, I focus on the work we do daily off it. That’s what builds confidence—no matter how I’m feeling, I know I’ve done everything possible to perform well.”

India secured their first-ever ODI World Cup title on November 2nd, defeating South Africa in the final held at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Speaking at the Amazon Sambhav Summit, Mandhana shared how representing India motivates her:

“Nothing excites me more than cricket. Wearing the Indian jersey inspires me to push through personal difficulties and focus on the game. My love for batting started as a child, and even if others didn’t understand it, I always dreamed of becoming a world champion.”

She described the World Cup victory as a culmination of years of perseverance: “Winning the World Cup was the result of the countless efforts we’ve put in over time. We had been waiting for this moment for years. Playing for over 12 years, I’ve faced many setbacks, but visualizing this success before the final and then achieving it was unforgettable. It was truly special for all of us.”

This public appearance came shortly after she confirmed the cancellation of her wedding to Palash Muchhal, ending weeks of speculation surrounding the sudden postponement of the ceremony.

In an Instagram post, Mandhana appealed for privacy: “There has been significant speculation about my personal life recently. I am a private person and would like to maintain that, but I need to clarify that my wedding has been called off. I ask everyone to respect the privacy of both families as we process this.”

She concluded by reaffirming her professional focus: “For me, representing India at the highest level has always been my purpose. I aim to continue playing and achieving success for my country, and that will remain my main focus. I’m grateful for the support, and now it’s time to move forward.”