Australian cricketer Ellyse Perry has offered a glowing assessment of Smriti Mandhana, highlighting the combination of talent, preparation and mental strength that has helped the Indian opener establish herself among the leading players in women’s cricket. Perry’s comments have underlined that Mandhana’s success is not simply down to her natural ability, but also the mindset and discipline she brings to the game. The Australian all-rounder believes Mandhana’s approach to challenges has been a major part of her consistency and growth.
“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. Perry also spoke positively about the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka in February 2027. She described the tournament as “another great opportunity for the women’s game,” with Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa and hosts Sri Lanka set to compete. The new tournament is expected to add another major event to the women’s international calendar and provide players with another platform to showcase their skills.
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“You just want to win every game”: Ellyse Perry opens up on inaugural season of Women’s Champions Trophy 2027
Ellyse Perry has backed the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 to be an important addition to the women’s cricket calendar, with the Australia star looking forward to the new tournament and the challenge it will present to the participating teams. The competition is scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka in February 2027 and will feature six teams — Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa and the hosts. Perry believes the tournament will provide another significant platform for women’s cricket while also demanding a high level of preparation from the players.
“It’s another great opportunity for the women’s game and for all the teams competing. From my perspective, it’s a new event, so it’s always exciting to be a part of something like that, and a new spot on the calendar, which will be great for everyone. You want to play every game well. This tournament will be physically and mentally a huge challenge, and preparing for those matches, everyone’s going to have to be spot on. But yeah, the mindset remains the same, you just want to win every game,” Perry said.
The Champions Trophy will therefore bring another high-profile competition to an increasingly packed women’s international calendar, with every team facing the challenge of adapting to the new format while competing for the title.
