India women’s team vice-captain and opener Smriti Mandhana’s consistent dominance in the Powerplay has helped Harmanpreet Kaur & Co emerge as strong contenders at the ICC ODI World Cup, starting with the match against Sri Lanka in Guwahati today.

Mandhana’s Sangli-based childhood coach Anant Tambvekar tells mid-day that the power-packed ability has come through specific strength training sessions. “Actually, her trainer Srikanthvarma Madapalli, who was badminton champion PV Sindhu’s fitness coach earlier, is working hard on her [Mandhana’s] fitness for over a year. He has planned specific workouts to strengthen her muscles and has held sessions accordingly. You may have observed that it has benefited her. Initially, her sixes landed across 60 to 65 yards, but now she clears 70 to 80 yards with ease. She’s had this fearless approach earlier too, but with technique and power, her overall strength has improved enormously,” Tambvekar told mid-day on Monday.