Star cricketer Ellyse Perry has spoken about what makes the ace Indian opener, Smriti Mandhana, one of the standout players in women's cricket. Perry, who was retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the Women's Premier League 2026 season, highlighted Mandhana's technical ability, mental strength and her approach to the game as key factors behind her success.
The Australian all-rounder's comments reflect the respect that international cricketers hold for Mandhana's abilities and her mindset as a competitor.
"What makes Smriti so successful? Her amazing skill. I think she's got incredible willpower and a super-strong mind, the way she approaches the game, the way she prepares, the way she knows herself, the way she thinks about things, and the way that she likes challenges. She's got it all," Perry said via JioStar during an interaction.
Notably, Perry recently captained the Birmingham Phoenix Women in the Hundred Women's 2026, and despite coming very close to the title, her side had to make a disappointing return. Perry herself was successful with the bat, scoring 223 runs in just seven matches at an average of 55.75, but it wasn't enough, as all stars didn't align for the franchise.
Mandhana, on the other hand, featured for the Manchester Super Giants Women, but her side couldn't progress beyond the league stage. She enjoyed a thunderous season, too, with 232 runs in seven innings at an average of close to 39.00 and a strike rate touching 140.
Perry's assessment of Mandhana's qualities
Mandhana has established herself as a key player in women's cricket through consistent performances across formats. The Mumbai-born cricketer currently serves as captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women's Premier League. Her leadership and batting prowess have made her one of the most recognisable figures in Indian women's cricket.
Perry's assessment underscores the technical and mental attributes that have made Mandhana a valuable asset for her franchise and country. The respect shown by international players towards Mandhana's game reflects her standing in the global women's cricket community. Her ability to prepare