Mumbai: Indian women’s cricket vice-captain Smriti Mandhana’s father, Srinivas Mandhana, is showing steady signs of recovery after suffering a brain haemorrhage last week, doctors attending to him confirmed on Sunday.
The 68-year-old former district-level cricketer and Smriti’s first coach was rushed to Wanless Hospital in Miraj on November 18 following sudden deterioration. He underwent emergency surgery to remove a clot and has been in the ICU since.
“His condition is now stable and improving. He is conscious, responding to commands and breathing on his own without ventilator support,” Dr Prashant Salunke, the neurosurgeon heading the team, told reporters. “We have shifted him from the surgical ICU to a regular room today. The next 48–72 hours remain crucial, but the prognosis is positive.”
Smriti, who is currently with the Indian team in Australia for the ongoing ODI series, has been in constant touch with the medical team. Sources close to the family say the left-handed opener is likely to fly back immediately if there is any setback but has been reassured by the latest bulletins.
Srinivas Mandhana has been a pillar behind Smriti’s journey from Sangli’s streets to becoming one of the world’s finest batters. Cricket fans across the country have flooded social media with prayers and positive wishes.