New Delhi, Dec 29 (NationPress) India's vice-captain Smriti Mandhana asserts that dwelling on past World Cup successes will not facilitate future victories. She emphasizes the potential for improvement within the Indian team as they gear up for the upcoming global T20 event next year.

Mandhana showcased her batting prowess in the recent fourth T20I against Sri Lanka in Trivandrum on Sunday, after struggling in the first three matches. She made history by surpassing 10,000 international runs with a remarkable 48-ball 80, becoming the fastest woman to reach this milestone and only the fourth overall, following Charlotte Edwards, Mithali Raj, and Suzie Bates.

"In cricket, you start from scratch each time. The scoreboard resets to zero, regardless of past performances. My internal expectations vary across formats. T20 cricket allows for a more forgiving approach, as there are days when things will not go your way," Mandhana stated.

"In contrast, I hold myself to higher standards in one-day and test formats due to the ample time available. Missing a wicket in those formats feels significant. Every match presents opportunities for success, but also failures that you must accept without overthinking it. It’s all about quick recoveries,” Mandhana explained in a video shared by the BCCI.

She reiterated that the current squad, in preparation for next year's T20 World Cup, is a “work in progress.” She warned that fixating on their ODI World Cup victory would hinder their readiness for the forthcoming championships.

"Had I dwelled on the first three matches, we would have had little time to prepare. It’s crucial to focus on the approach we take towards our cricket. The One Day World Cup victory was monumental for women's cricket, but we must not solely dwell on past successes," she remarked.

"We’ve had opportunities to win matches this year but fell short. With a young team, we are constantly evolving. While the World Cup is on the horizon, we remain a work in progress. If we linger on the past, we may miss the future. If I were to evaluate our performance critically, I’d rate us a 7 out of 10, as we still have areas needing improvement,” she noted.

Mandhana expressed gratitude to fans for their unwavering support during their 50-over World Cup journey, hoping to continue making them proud.

"We consistently discuss our goals concerning fitness, mental readiness, and performance. This includes enhancing our power hitting for T20 matches. Execution of bowling strategies also remains a priority. I appreciate all the support from fans, particularly during the One Day World Cup, and I hope we continue to make them proud,” she concluded.