**Smriti Mandhana inspires me, Richa Ghosh always supports me: Bengal’s Ankita Chakraborty**
Adamas Howrah Warriors captain Ankita Chakraborty has credited India stars Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh for influencing her cricketing journey, describing Mandhana as her inspiration and Ghosh as a constant source of support as she prepares for the 2026 Bengal T20 League.
The wicketkeeper-batter, who will lead Adamas Howrah Warriors in the upcoming season, spoke about the players she admires most and the role they have played in shaping her career. While Mandhana’s calm personality and elegant batting have long inspired her, fellow Bengal cricketer Richa Ghosh has become someone she regularly turns to for advice and guidance.
“I like Smriti Mandhana. I like her personality and her style of playing. She is very simple and calm, and I really like that about her,” Ankita said.
Speaking about her relationship with Ghosh, Ankita highlighted the India wicketkeeper-batter’s willingness to help despite her busy international schedule.
“Richa is a close friend of mine and is very supportive. Whenever I have any problem, I can call her and she always responds whenever possible. Even though she is very busy and often travelling and playing matches, she tries to help and support us. I admire that quality in her.”
Ankita’s own cricketing journey began by chance when she accompanied her brother to a local ground and caught the attention of a coach.
“I used to go to the ground with my brother. There was a cricket academy there and I used to go regularly. One day, the head coach noticed me and asked if I was interested in cricket. At that time, it wasn’t that I was very interested nor was I not interested, but he encouraged me and asked me to bring my parents to the academy. That’s how my journey started. If not for him, I might never have started playing cricket.”
She credits her family, particularly her father, for teaching her the values that continue to guide her career.
“My father always talks about the three Ds of life – determination, dedication and discipline. He says that if you have these three things, along with hard work, you can be successful in life. That guidance from my parents, their love and support, has been my biggest learning. That’s my everything.”
As the Bengal T20 League continues to provide opportunities for emerging cricketers, Ankita believes the tournament remains an important platform for players looking to make their mark.
“The Bengal T20 League gives us a huge platform. It is a very good opportunity, especially for players who have not yet played at the state level. Many players come from districts, clubs and academies. Some are just starting their cricket journeys. These tournaments give young players more matches and exposure. They inspire budding cricketers and provide them with opportunities to showcase their talent.”
She also pointed to Bengal’s strong cricketing structure as a major reason behind the state’s ability to consistently produce talented players.
“Bengal has a lot of facilities, grounds and academies. Around the Kolkata Maidan, there are many coaching academies and a lot of opportunities to practice. There are also many matches and tournaments, from second division to first division cricket. We have tournaments like the Bengal T20 League and many other competitions where players get opportunities to perform. That exposure plays a very important role. It helps us improve our performances and also helps when it comes to selection.”
With Adamas Howrah Warriors set to begin their campaign against Rashmi Medinipur Wizards on June 7, Ankita is focused on leading by example and helping her side challenge for the title.
“Our team has a very good combination of juniors and seniors. All the players are cheerful, positive and have the intent to win matches. They are hardworking, supportive and play for each other. There is a very good bond within the team. If all these things are there in a team, then automatically the team performs well.”
“Personally, I want to score as many runs as I can and help the team win matches. As a captain, there is a different kind of pressure because I have to take care of the team and carry everyone along. Hopefully, everything will go well and the tournament will unfold the way we want it to.”
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