Ashhar Alam/New Delhi

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana has opened up about the emotional toll of high-pressure cricket, revealing that she finds comfort and clarity in the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita during difficult phases of her career.

Speaking in an interview with Vogue, the Indian vice-captain reflected on the heartbreak of India’s narrow defeat to England during the Women’s World Cup last year — a game that left her devastated and drew intense reactions online.

England had edged past India by just four runs in Indore to secure a place in the semi-finals. Images of Mandhana sitting in the pavilion in tears after the defeat quickly spread across social media, becoming one of the tournament’s most talked-about moments.

Recalling that difficult night, Mandhana admitted the loss stayed with her long after the match ended. She questioned her own performance and searched for answers while dealing with the pressure of expectations.

“This can’t be happening. Where am I going wrong?” she remembered asking herself, adding that she often turns to what she calls conversations with the “cricket god” — sometimes out of faith and sometimes out of anxiety.

The defeat also triggered a wave of criticism online. While many fans backed the team, some social media comments targeted the players harshly, questioning their temperament and place in the sport.

Mandhana, however, said she has gradually learned to stay balanced amid both praise and backlash.

“When we started playing, this is what we wanted — packed stadiums, people cheering for women’s cricket, fans emotionally invested in our journey. So we also have to accept criticism when things go wrong,” she said, noting that public opinion changes quickly in sport.

Her comeback came almost immediately. In a crucial match against New Zealand, Mandhana answered critics with a century that helped India secure a vital win and shifted the narrative once again.

Now 29, the stylish left-hander says her preparation is no longer limited to training sessions and practice nets. Mental discipline and emotional balance have become equally important parts of her routine.

Mandhana shared that she regularly listens to selected episodes from the Mahabharata and carries a pocket edition of the Bhagavad Gita while travelling.

READ MORE: Naghma Sahar showed the calmer, sensitive side of Television news anchoring

“I find all my answers there. For me, that’s therapy,” she said.

India eventually scripted history later that year by lifting their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title after defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium.