'We have an opportunity to be there and try to that' - Smriti Mandhana draws inspiration from Neeraj Chopra

The Indian women's cricket team's vice-captain, Smriti Mandhana recently expressed her desire to win a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games 2022. She said that the team has worked hard and is all set to face Australia, Pakistan, and Barbados in the competition. The women's cricket team will make their first appearance against Australia on 29th July in the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham.

Smriti Mandhana also stated that she has taken inspiration from Neeraj Chopra who won the gold medal for India in the Tokyo Olympics. Mandhana revealed that she had goosebumps watching Neeraj Chopra wear the gold medal, standing at the Tokyo Olympics podium.

"I literally got goosebumps when Neeraj Chopra won gold in Olympics. We have an opportunity to be there and try to that.” Mandhana said. She also said that the team is well prepared to face the teams in Group A.

"All the girls in the team are already excited (about the CWG 2022). We all know the feeling we have watched CWG and the Olympics in TV. When the Indian flag goes higher, we hear the national anthem, everyone knows the feeling. We are going for Gold in Birmingham; we are not just looking for a podium finish,” Mandhana said when she addressed the media.

The women's cricket team of India will go against the likes of Australia, Pakistan and Barbados in the upcoming event. Boasting of a strong line-up, they, certainly, have the ability to defeat all three teams in Group A. It will be interesting to see if the team can execute their plans well.

“The groups were decided long back. We have our plans for Australia, Pakistan and Barbados. Hope everything will work as we have planned," Mandhana said.