In a recent interaction, Indian women’s cricket star Smriti Mandhana recalled a special moment when she and her teammates in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) received a heartfelt message from Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli. The message came shortly after the team’s historic victory, a moment that made their achievement even more memorable. Smriti shared that Kohli personally called the team through a video call, expressing his happiness and pride for their success.
At the time of the call, Smriti was busy with the post-match presentation, but she and her teammates were thrilled to hear from Kohli. Known for his leadership and passion for the game, Kohli’s gesture was a clear sign of his support and encouragement for women’s cricket in India. Smriti vividly remembered the excitement and joy the team felt upon hearing from one of the sport’s biggest stars. Kohli, who has always been a source of inspiration for many young cricketers, showed immense enthusiasm and conveyed his congratulations to the players for their remarkable performance.
During the video call, Smriti mentioned that Virat was visibly happy for the team’s victory, which added an extra layer of positivity and motivation to the celebration. Kohli’s words of encouragement weren’t just limited to congratulatory messages; he also acknowledged the hard work the players had put in to achieve such a significant win in the WPL. His genuine happiness for the team’s success highlighted his unwavering belief in women’s cricket and the progress of the game in India. For Smriti and her teammates, receiving such a call from Virat Kohli was an unforgettable experience, and it further fueled their enthusiasm for the sport.
Kohli’s call also reflected the growing recognition and respect for women’s cricket in India. The WPL, which was launched with much anticipation, has been a game-changer for female cricketers, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and gain recognition on the national stage. Players like Smriti Mandhana, who has become one of the most prominent faces in women’s cricket, have worked tirelessly to elevate the sport, and moments like these reflect the shift towards greater recognition of their efforts.
For Smriti, Kohli’s call was a reminder of the supportive and encouraging community within Indian cricket. As one of the top players in the women’s game, Smriti has always been motivated by the success of her male counterparts, and Kohli’s gesture of reaching out to the team only strengthened that sense of camaraderie across genders in Indian cricket. His enthusiasm for the team’s victory and his genuine interaction left a lasting impact on Smriti and her fellow players.
As women’s cricket continues to grow in stature and recognition, interactions like this serve as important milestones in the journey toward greater equality and respect in the sport. For Smriti Mandhana, Kohli’s message after their WPL victory will be cherished as one of the highlights of her career, a testament to the strong bond between the men’s and women’s cricketing communities in India.