I was rested because middle order hadn't batted in the previous games: Mandhana

Smriti Mandhana was rested for India’s encounter against Nepal in the Asia Cup, much to the surprise of many, with Dayalan Hemalatha being promoted as opener. While essentially other batters were promoted one position each, it allowed them a much-needed game-time ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup later this year.

When Smriti Mandhana was asked about the reason she was rested during the continental showpiece event, the Sangli-born batter revealed that it was to facilitate batting for the middle order. “As an opener, you don't get a lot of games where you don't bat. Much needed game time for all the other batters. The middle order hasn't batted in the previous games,” Mandhana told host broadcasters after the game.

“The conditions were different and it is always good to have game time under your belt. The middle order didn't get time in the South Africa series as well, so good they could spend some time in the middle.”

After beating Bangladesh comprehensively in an away series, India absolutely dominated South Africa in all three formats at home and have been on a winning spree in the Asia Cup as well. When asked about the team’s preparedness, Mandhana, who led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a WPL title, revealed that the side moved their focus to the T20 World Cup right after the Women’s Premier League.

“The preparations started post WPL, there are a lot of fine-tuning to be done, and we have to keep improving, cannot go into a World Cup under prepared,” Mandhana added. 

India defeated Nepal by 82 runs in the last group-stage encounter of the ongoing Asia Cup and advanced to the semifinals with a massive net run rate of +3.615. They are scheduled to play the semi-final on July 26 in Dambulla. 

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