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Internet Desk: Indian women cricketer Smriti Mandhana is passing through the form of her life. With 196 runs in the first two matches of the Women’s World Cup, the cricketer from Sangli district in Maharashtra is currently the toast of the Indian women’s team. It was Smriti’s knock of 90 and 106 respectively which ensured that India has a hundred percent record so far in the tournament.

But the 20 year old cricketer from Maharashtra was not sure of being picked in the Indian team for the World Cup after she suffered a serious injury while playing in the Women’s Big Bash League for Brisbane Heats. She suffered a torn meniscus and Anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee, which meant that she had not played any cricket since January.

She was understandably a bit scratchy at the start of the tournament but the innings of 82* against West Indies in the practice match gave her the confidence.

“The knock of 82 not out against the West Indies in a practice match gave me confidence that my batting was not lost. I can bat,” said Smriti after the match yesterday.

The talented cricketer who scored her second ton in ODI career dreamt of becoming a chef if she didn’t made a career in cricket.

According to Smriti’s father, “Apart from cricket, she had a lot of interest in cooking. She loves her cooking like anything after cricket. She wanted to become a chef had she not succeeded in cricket. She even cooks for us when she is at home.”

Both Smriti and his brother Shravan were right handers but Sriniwas forced them to bat left handed. On being asked why he did that, Sriniwas replied, “Both were right handed but I made them bat left handed.I wanted them to be left handed as I always felt left hander was more stylish.”

The Mandhana family had a tough time when Smriti was out of the team due to injury.

“It was very tough for the family. But she was mentally strong. She worked hard. Special praise should go to Anand Sir and Yogesh Sir who worked tirelessly on her fitness at the NCA,” says Sriniwas.

According to Smriti, “It was really tough coming out of the injury but I’m really happy I’ve done enough in two matches for India and hopefully I can continue that form.”