Smriti Mandhana speaks about leadership, challenges ahead of Ratnagiri Jets stint in Maharashtra Premier League

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India vice-captain and Ratnagiri Jets skipper Smriti Mandhana has lauded the rise of women's T20 leagues in Maharashtra, noting how these structured competitions are fostering a more professional environment and opening critical talent pathways for aspiring cricketers.

"For state associations, and for Maharashtra as well, to have this sort of platform-where I touched upon the fact that there'll be a lot of eyes from WPL scouts-and also, of course, these sorts of performances can serve as a benchmark for people to get into the state side as well. So, I mean, to have that is great," Mandhana said.

"I always believe that franchise cricket brings a different sort of professionalism into the sport, and for the girls-the state-level girls-to experience that, I'm sure they'll be well-prepped when they go to the next level.

On the role of clubs like Jets Club and early development support

"Yeah, I mean, to get that at the age of 14-15 is great. Of course, we got it a little later, so we had to start developing it by looking at international standards. But the best thing about India at this moment, with women's cricket, is the investment that's coming in-and the investment they get to groom a player."

"I mean, very late in our careers, we realized the importance of fitness and all of those things. But I'm sure the club and the initiative are only going to promote or help them understand more about what is actually needed for the next level, and I'm sure they'll be well-prepped."

On how corporate and franchise investment is reshaping the game

"I feel, for women's cricket to have this sort of stage is amazing, and the very fact that state associations and also the WPL-the way they have supported it-shows that, of course, women's cricket can generate revenues, which is an amazing thing for women's cricket. People are ready to invest money into it. I mean, the more professional the sport gets, it's only going to get better, especially for grassroots-level cricketers."

"From my point of view, of course, promotion is one thing, but I think we are well beyond that in women's cricket. I see it as people being ready to invest, and that shows that women's cricket is growing and people want to watch it."

On pressure, leadership, and winning with the Ratnagiri Jets

"I mean, the first time I spoke to them and they-of course, after the introduction-said they'd won the first two editions, and I was like, 'Oh, okay.' But no, not pressure. I wouldn't take it as pressure. I mean, pressure is there every time you step on the field, so you don't need to take any added pressure. Whenever you wear a jersey and represent a team, you want to do the best for them-so that pressure is always there. But we'll take that as motivation rather than pressure."

Smriti Mandhan, special message for the league fans: "I mean, it's the first edition, so I'm sure there will be a lot of new fans. We don't know yet... But yeah, I mean, we've played in Pune during the T20 Challenge, and we got good support when we played here in the WT20 Challenge. So, I expect everyone to come out in huge numbers and support women's cricket-support Ratnagiri Jets more, actually. But yeah, you know, I've played for Maharashtra throughout my career, so coming back and playing in Pune and playing in the WNPL, I'm really excited, and I hope people come, support us, and watch us."