People always talked about timing like it was something romantic. Like meeting the right person at the wrong time was poetic. Smriti Mandhana thought timing was cruel. Because if timing had been kinder, maybe she would've realized it sooner. Maybe she would've noticed the way Ash looked at her for too long after victories. The way she remembered tiny things nobody else did. The way she stayed. Always stayed. Even when Smriti pushed her away. Even when she laughed things off. Even when she said things she didn't fully understand herself. "I'm straight, Ash." Funny how denial sounds believable when you repeat it enough. The world thought Smriti had everything figured out. A successful career. A perfect relationship. A wedding everyone was waiting for. But sometimes your life can look complete right before it falls apart. And sometimes the person who holds you together afterwards... is the same person you spent years refusing to love back. The worst part? Ash had loved her long before Smriti even understood what love was supposed to feel like. And by the time Smriti finally realized it- Ash was already learning how to let her go.

Smriti Mandhana and Ashleigh gardner Some rivalries are meant to stay on the field. Some don't. When two of cricket's fiercest competitors are suddenly bound together in a decision neither of them chose, the line between performance and reality begins to blur. Every glance turns into a statement. Every silence says too much. And every moment spent together feels like something neither of them can control. They call it a contract. They call it temporary. They call it nothing. But the closer they get, the harder it becomes to tell where the act ends-and where something real begins. Because not all battles are played under stadium lights. And not all feelings can be ignored forever.

Two elite cricketers from rival nations-Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry-find themselves repeatedly crossing paths across ICC tournaments, bilateral series, and league circuits, where every match is measured in precision, and every moment in control. But between the overs-where the game briefly loosens its grip-something quieter begins to take shape. Media narratives sharpen comparisons into rivalry, while unspoken insecurities distort perception, turning neutral respect into something far more complicated... and far more difficult to ignore.

a cricket romance between two angsty girls with issues, who are too idiot to accept the reality and their friends trying not to murder them. If you have any issues, you can leave.

"began in the Australian summer of the WBBL, where a quiet friendship sparked between South Africa's clinical "Ice Queen" Laura Wolvaardt and Mumbai's radiant "Sunshine" Jemimah Rodrigues. But it was the high-stakes stage of the WPL that turned a long-distance bond into an undeniable, slow-burn romance.

It was never just the ball. It's the way Ashleigh Gardner finds her. The way she looks at her like it means something. Smriti doesn't believe in overthinking. But some things don't go away. And some smiles aen't as simple as they seem

"If you've read or watched the legendary hockey BL 'Heated Rivalry,' then you already know the vibe-the intense competition, the 'hate' on the field, and the secret fire behind the scenes. But this is the Smriti Mandhana x Ashleigh Gardner version. We're taking that same high-voltage energy and dropping it right into the Women's Cricket World. This is the Yuri take on that classic rivalry. On the pitch, it's India vs. Australia. It's the elegant opening batter vs. the aggressive all-rounder. It's cold stares, bouncers, and a decade of 'hating' each other in front of the cameras. But behind the stadium lights, the game is completely different. So, if you're ready for a 'Heated Rivalry' in the world of cricket... please guys, enjoy!"

Ellyse Alexandra Perry a feisty cricker -Australian all rounder who has her own principles life. Bubbly and extrovert but has anger issues and over possessive nature, she has crossed many huddles in her life to attain success. a simple go with the flow girl. golden girl of team gets what she wants and never takes no as answer Alyssa Healy - Australia captain , friend of Ellyse , fiercy ,chaos in blonde, competitive likes harman but don't show it as they are Tom and Jerry couple Laura wolvaart - south African captain , introvert , calm and mature has a crush on jemi , friend of Ellyse Smriti Mandhana a puzzle , simple introverted mute girl who sees the world in silence and her bad past has created a barrier around her that she never breaks to anyone . silence is her only language. A broken angel , innocent and a calm cricketer ,vice captain of indian team and loved books Harman Preet Kaur - friend of Smriti and cousin, captain of team India, fiercy, hot headed always full of pride and herself , likes Healy but won't show it they are fighting partner Jemimah Rodriguez- the Butterfly of the group , bestfriend of Smriti ( know her through Harman) purusing cricket together with studies , won't keep her mouth shut excessively extroverted, chaos in small size ,has a crush on laura It's the story of two hearts longing for affection in the world of noise. when the two of them meet under an accident circumstances drawing close to each other with the unacceptable pull. they know it was forbidden but still they could not resist. will their love bloom or end ? as the time grows Perry's obsession over Smriti deepened as she couldn't help but want Smriti who tries to escape Perry due to her bad past. Dive into the world of obession , resistance and love With Love Aadhya

Ellyse Perry hires a girl to fake being her girlfriend. No love. No feelings. Just a contract. Smriti Mandhana agrees-while hiding the truth: she's a billionaire with a revenge plan against the Perry family. What starts as pretending turns dangerous when real feelings grow, an ex-lover returns as a business rival, and lies begin to crack. Because this was never just a fake relationship. It was a setup. A betrayal. And aa love that could destroy them both. P.s: Not a cricket story.

Unexpected Miracle in Our XI (Book No. 3 of Unexpected Player in My XI). If you haven't read it yet, please do check out my both book. Because every story deserves to be felt from the very first heartbeat. . . . . . Lots Of Love From, Smerry Pagalu 🎀 Book 2: Unexpected Love in Our XI = Completed Book 1: Unexpected Player in My XI = Completed