Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana works hard both on season and off—and her training sessions are intense. Mandhana, 27, shared a video of herself wearing black workout pants, shorts, and a black t-shirt, doing a strength training workout at the gym. “Superb,” an admiring fan commented. Mandhana’s workout and diet regimen is as strict as you would expect from a professional athlete—here’s how she stays fit, focused, and on top of her game.
Mandhana goes for a run every day as part of her cricket training. “During off season, we train really hard,” Mandhana told Femina. “We amp up our workouts and try to take our gym and fitness routines to another level. We follow a rather stringent diet set by the team’s nutritionist. Since I don’t eat meat, I have to really take care of my protein intake. So, I include a lot of protein shakes, eggs and soybean in my meals.”
Mandhana focuses on good nutrition as crucial to her athletic performance. “Earlier, cricket was termed as a skill-sport a lot but now with the increased number of games and the hectic schedule we have, nutrition has become a vital aspect for fitness,” she told Sportstar. “It’ll be one of the most important aspects going forward. Even for me, post my ACL (injury rehab in 2017), I am more aware about my nutrition – how much protein intake I should have and hydration levels, understanding my body better and plan accordingly, besides gym and physical conditioning. If we have to compete at the highest level, be the top team in the world, we have to look after ourselves and nutrition is one of the most important parts of it.”
Mandhana knew she wanted to play professional cricket from early childhood. “When I was nine, I would face older boys aged 13 very well,” she told Red Bull. “As I continued playing, I learnt to time the ball well during net sessions; that’s when my father decided to take me for selection trials. Once I started representing Maharashtra and heard about the likes of Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami, I started feeling that I too could play alongside these greats and represent India.”
Mandhana keeps her skincare routine simple, with a focus on sun protection. “My beauty rules are pretty basic, as I hardly use any makeup,” she told Femina. “I use a great body lotion and a lip balm while stepping out. My go-to skincare product is the Vaseline Sun and Pollution Protection lotion, which comes with SPF 24 PA++ and a unique Pollution Protection Formula (PPF). It’s the one product I carry with me always because it protects me from the harsh sun and pollution. I neither have the time nor the inclination to use multiple products. Vaseline Sun and Pollution Protection lotion with its dual benefits addresses my major skincare concerns, and gives me the confidence to go out and focus.”
Mandhana is thrilled to represent her country on the international stage. “It has been amazing,” she told Red Bull. “Cricket has taught me everything; including how to handle success and failure. Whatever I am today is because of cricket. I feel no pressure. I only feel pride to wear the blue jersey and represent the country. Very few people get opportunities like this, so it is a great feeling.”