Ellyse Perry has been one of the defining figures of women’s cricket for more than a decade, playing a major role in Australia‘s remarkable dominance across formats. A champion all-rounder known for her composure, consistency and competitive spirit, Perry has also shared the field with and competed against some of the finest players in the women’s game. Reflecting on two of India’s biggest stars, she recently highlighted the qualities that have helped Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur establish themselves among the game’s leading names.

Ellyse Perry decodes success mantra of Smriti Mandhana

For Perry, Mandhana’s success is not simply down to her elegant stroke-making or natural ability. The Australian great believes the Indian opener’s mindset and preparation have played an equally important role in her rise. Perry pointed towards Mandhana’s remarkable skill while also praising the mental strength she brings to the game. According to her, the left-hander possesses an exceptional level of willpower and has developed a strong understanding of her own game.

“What makes Smriti so successful? Her amazing skill. I think she has 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,” Perry said, as quoted by PTI.

Mandhana has consistently been among India’s most dependable batters, with her ability to combine timing and aggression making her a difficult player to contain. Perry’s comments underline that there is much more behind the batter’s success than her trademark cover drives and fluent strokeplay.

Perry outlines key strength of Harmanpreet Kaur

While Mandhana’s mental strength impressed Perry, she identified a different quality as Harmanpreet ‘s biggest asset — her tenacity. The Australian believes Harmanpreet’s competitive nature is central to her impact on the field. The Indian captain has built a reputation for standing up in challenging situations and producing decisive performances when her team needs her most.

“Harman, I think her greatest strength is her tenacity. She is a great competitor, and when she is going, she hits some of the biggest shots in the women’s game,” Perry added.

Harmanpreet’s power-hitting has long been one of the most recognisable features of her batting. When she finds her rhythm, she can change the momentum of a game within a matter of overs, making her a constant threat to opposition bowling attacks.

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The iconic pair of Indian women’s cricket

Mandhana and Harmanpreet are undoubtedly among the most iconic pairs in the history of Indian women’s cricket. While their styles are different, both have made significant contributions to India’s progress on the international stage. Mandhana’s consistency at the top of the order and Harmanpreet’s ability to deliver explosive innings in the middle order have given India two influential batting pillars. Beyond their individual achievements, both players have helped raise the profile of women’s cricket in the country.

Their journey has coincided with a period of considerable growth for Indian women’s cricket. From attracting larger audiences to inspiring a new generation of players, Mandhana and Harmanpreet have become important figures in the sport’s evolution.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.