Kumar Sangakkara Reacts After Being Told Of Smriti Mandhana’s Liking For His Batting Style

Aug 4, 2017 at 9:14 AM

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Kumar Sangakkara Reacts After Being Told Of Smriti Mandhana’s Liking For His Batting Style

Smriti Mandhana’s exploits in the recently-concluded World Cup had taken the cricketing world by storm. The elegant left-handed batswoman opened her campaign by smashing a brilliant 90 against hosts England and followed it up with her second One Day International ton against West Indies in Taunton three days later.

While the knock against England set the tone for India’s match-winning first innings total of 281, her unbeaten 106 against the West Indies was even more special as it came under pressure situation after the loss of early wickets in chase of 184.

Credits: Getty

And although the runs dried up for her in the following games, she drew comparisons with none other than the legendary Sourav Ganguly for her elegant stroke-play. Well, the 20-year old from Maharashtra by her own admittance admires the former India captain but idolises former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara. Mandhana revealed her admiration for Sangakkara during an interview.

“Whenever I feel that I am not batting the way I should, I watch videos of Kumar Sangakkara. I like his batting style,” Smriti had told Sportstar.

“I also admire Ganguly, but it is Sangakkara that I relate to. I haven’t really watched Ganguly bat a lot in my young days, whereas, Sangakkara has been an inspiration,” she had added. “I try and play a cover drive like Sangakkara. Earlier, I used to copy my brother’s batting style. But watching Sangakkara’s batting videos give me a fair bit of idea on how I should improve.”

Credits: Getty

Sangakkara responds:

While praising Mandhana, the wicketkeeper-batsman said that he is humbled to be mentioned by the Indian player

“Please convey to Smriti my thanks for mentioning my name. I was humbled to have been mentioned by such a wonderful player as she is,” Sangakkara told the news outlet.

When the outlet passed the message to Mandhana, the delighted batswoman replied: “Please thank him on my behalf.”

Well, Mandhana would hope that the encouraging words from the legendary batsman will help her to regain the form. After scoring 196 runs in the first two games of the World Cup, she could manage only 36 runs in the next 7 games including a duck in the final against England.

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