Lakshmi G S
By Lakshmi G S
Indian cricket has entered a golden chapter, and one of the brightest names etched in this era is that of Smriti Mandhana. A key architect of India's historic maiden ODI World Cup triumph, Mandhana has risen to become a national icon, not merely for her elegant batting, but for her calm, dignified presence on and off the field.
In the last week, however, Mandhana has found herself at the centre of an unfortunate frenzy that has nothing to do with cricket. News broke that she had called off her wedding indefinitely, with the initial reason cited as her father's ill-health. Naturally, this is a deeply personal matter for any individual, more so for someone constantly under the public gaze. Decisions around marriage are among the most significant ones in anyone's life, and for a woman, especially a young woman in the spotlight, it comes with even greater emotional, social, and mental weight.
But instead of respecting this moment of privacy, corners of social media have erupted with wild allegations and irresponsible conjectures. Posts have accused her fiancé, singer Palash Muchhal, of infidelity, sparking a spiralling rumour mill. These claims remain unverified, yet they have been repeated and amplified by countless users, and disappointingly, even by a few media outlets seeking quick attention.
It is important we pause and reflect on this wildfire spreading via the social media. Should a champion who has given India some of its proudest sporting moments be subjected to this level of public intrusion? Should someone navigating a personal crossroads be forced into defending herself against rumours she never invited and never addressed?
As of now, Smriti Mandhana has made no official statement about the matter. And that silence is not an admission, nor is it an invitation for speculation. Silence often signifies a choice, it's a desire to step away from the glare, to process one's emotions privately, and to protect loved ones from further stress.
She may choose to speak in the future. She may choose never to speak about it at all. Either way, that decision belongs entirely to her.
What is unfolding online today is symptomatic of a deeper issue, where the blurring of boundaries between a public figure's professional achievements and their private life. In a time where attention spans are short and digital noise is loud, the temptation to sensationalise everything is strong. But this is also the very moment when restraint becomes a collective responsibility.
Mandhana has carried herself with grace in every professional adversity, from form slumps to injury setbacks to the crushing weight of expectations. She has represented India on the world stage with maturity beyond her years. And yet, when she takes a tough personal decision, undoubtedly after long reflection and emotional difficulty, she is met with scrutiny, instead of empathy.
It is worth reminding ourselves that behind every celebrated athlete is a human being navigating challenges we seldom see. Calling off a wedding, for any woman, is not a trivial moment. It requires strength, clarity, and courage, regardless of the reason behind it.
And so, it is time for all of us, the fans, the media, and especially the online commentators, to take a chill pill and cool down.
Let's show some respect to the champ! Let us celebrate her cricket, honour her contributions, and most importantly, grant her the dignity of privacy.
Speculation adds nothing to the truth, and it takes away a great deal from the wellbeing of the person at its centre. Smriti Mandhana deserves better from a nation that proudly calls her its star. Let us be worthy of her trust, her talent, and her courage on and off the field.
(The Author is a legal professional and a POSH expert)
