The BCCI Naman Awards took center stage on Saturday, February 1, 2025, in Mumbai, honoring the stellar performances of Indian cricketers over the past year. The prestigious event celebrated both men’s and women’s achievements across various formats, bringing together the biggest names in Indian cricket under one roof.
Amid the grandeur of awards and speeches, the evening was enlivened by a fun and spontaneous interaction between Indian opener Smriti Mandhana, dynamic all-rounder Hardik Pandya, alongside versatile batter Jemimah Rodrigues. Smriti and Hardik engaged in an entertaining game of rapid-fire questions, offering the audience a delightful glimpse into the camaraderie shared among the players.
Hardik Pandya’s playlist question to Smriti Mandhana
During the lighthearted segment, Pandya playfully quizzed Smriti about her love for music, asking, “If you were to create a playlist in the dressing room, what would your top three songs be?”
Smriti responded with her trademark wit and charm, admitting, “I’m probably the last person you’d want to create a playlist because my songs are either love songs or sad songs. I enjoy those kinds of tracks, even before matches. While most of the team vibes to proper Punjabi beats, I steer clear of the speakers to avoid reactions like, ‘What is this?’ So, I play it safe and stick to my headphones. But yes, any Arijit Singh song is my go-to.”
Hardik, with a laugh, chimed in, “Perfect for many of us,” adding to the laughter in the hall.
Here is the video:
What would be @mandhana_smriti‘s top three songs if she were to create a playlist inside the dressing room? 🤔@hardikpandya7 helps us find out! 😃👌#NamanAwards pic.twitter.com/WiYGTJuxzP
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 1, 2025
Also READ: Cricket world erupts as India hammers South Africa to lift the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025
Smriti Mandhana shines bright with double honours
The night wasn’t just about fun and games for Smriti; she dominated the awards segment as well. She clinched two prestigious accolades:
- Highest run-scorer in One Day Internationals (Women): Smriti had an outstanding year 2024, amassing 747 runs in just 13 ODIs. Her stellar performance included four centuries and three half-centuries, making her the top scorer in the format.
- Best international cricketer (Women): Recognizing her consistency and brilliance throughout the year, Smriti was honored with this coveted award, solidifying her position as one of the brightest stars in women’s cricket.
