ion
The finest players always have an extra second. To predict, to position, to prevail. For them, time is an ally, not an adversary. Smriti Mandhana exemplifies this equation with time in everything she does. Whether it’s transforming the art of opening the batting for India and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) or emerging as an inspiration beyond sport for her talent and tenacity, Mandhana’s mantra has always been about making the most of her time.
As a friend of Rado, Mandhana brings a proven track record of mastering time, not only in the everyday instances of showing up for her team, but in the belief it takes to own the moments that make her a champion of her craft.
Read on for more on Mandhana’s relationship with Rado, time and herself.
What do you most value about being a friend of Rado?
I think the shared values of consistency, precision and always trying to improve.
You have joined the Rado family as it celebrates 40 years of high-tech ceramic. What was your visit to Switzerland like?
Visiting Switzerland and seeing things closely made me appreciate the amount of patience, time and detail that goes into creating something so precise. What stood out for me was how much care goes into every small detail. It felt relatable to sports. There’s a lot of hard work, patience and discipline that goes into an athlete.
Rado calls itself the ‘Master of Materials’. As an athlete, what has time taught you about the material one is made of?
I think sport teaches you a lot about resilience and patience. Over time, you realise that success is not just about talent, but actually about being consistent, about failing and still showing up and how to deal with difficult times.
The Rado True Square Open Heart reveals its inner mechanism. What can you share about yours?
People only see maybe 10 per cent of what happens on the field. I believe an athlete is built in training sessions, which is maybe 90 per cent. The amount of time spent in practising skills, the sacrifices a lot of people around us make, and the hard work.
What does luxury mean to you personally?
For me, it is about what it represents and how naturally it fits into your personality and lifestyle. I like things that feel simple yet elegant.
Opening the batting is often about judging time before anyone else does. Has your reading of time at the crease changed over the years?
For sure. Experience teaches you so much and helps you evolve as a person and as an athlete. With time, you know how to read the situation better and when to rely on what skill.
I visualise every possible situation I’m going to face on the field
Cricket is getting quicker and quicker these days. How do you cope with the intensity and scrutiny?
Staying true to who you are is the most important aspect. With time you understand or learn to worry about things that are under your control and let go of others.
As part of planning your game, do you visualise?
Visualisation is a very big aspect of preparation today. Belief is everything. I visualise every possible situation I’m going to face on the field. Experience has definitely made me more patient and clearer, and that surely helps while preparing.
In a career of incredible landmarks, is there a quiet, private moment that you cherish?
I personally think the people around you and the quiet time you spend with them matter a lot. I’m grateful to have the support system that I have around me. They keep me grounded and focused. Family time is super special to me; they are my loudest cheerleaders in every moment and that means the world to me.
What would you like your friendship with Rado to be remembered for?
I would love for it to be remembered as a meaningful association built on shared values. Consistency, excellence, trust and timelessness are things I connect with personally, and if people see that natural alignment through this partnership, I think that would be very special.
Rapid Fire
A Rado watch for match day or a Rado watch for dinner — which would you enjoy styling more?
Definitely a sleek Rado for dinner.
Your most punctual habit?
Being on time for every training session.
The moment of the day when you most like wearing a watch?
Mostly the evenings when I’m stepping out.
What is more precious to you now: five extra minutes of sleep, five extra minutes in the nets, or five extra minutes of silence?
Five extra minutes in the nets always. You can never have enough!
If Rado were a feeling, what would it be?
A feeling of confidence with elegance.
