Smriti Mandhana has quickly become a prominent figure in women’s cricket, winning the hearts of fans around the globe. With her stylish batting, strong leadership, and genuine passion for the sport, she has left a significant impact on both domestic and international stages. From setting records in the Women’s Premier League to consistently excelling in ODIs and T20Is, she has repeatedly demonstrated that she is a formidable player. Her story goes beyond just runs and wickets; it’s about breaking down barriers and motivating countless young cricketers along the way.
Born on July 18, 1996, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, she has risen to become a well-known name in cricket. Renowned for her elegance, aggressive playing style, and leadership abilities, Mandhana has transformed the perception of women’s cricket worldwide. Her journey, from impressive performances in domestic leagues to achieving international fame, is truly inspiring.Early Life: A Cricketing Legacy
Smriti Mandhana grew up in a family deeply connected to cricket. Her father, Shrinivas Mandhana, played at the district level in Sangli, Maharashtra, and her brother, Shravan, shared a passion for the sport. This supportive environment sparked Smriti's love for cricket from an early age. When she was just two, her family relocated to Madhavnagar, where her enthusiasm for the game grew as she watched her brother compete in Maharashtra’s Under-16 tournaments. By the age of nine, she had already joined Maharashtra's Under-15 team, and by 11, she earned a spot on the Maharashtra Under-19 team.
Her swift ascent through the ranks of domestic cricket set a strong foundation for her remarkable career ahead.
Domestic Breakthrough: A Star in the Making
Mandhana’s domestic cricket career began with a bang. In October 2013, she became the first Indian woman to score a double century in a one-day match, smashing an unbeaten 224 runs off just 150 balls against Gujarat in the West Zone Under-19 Tournament. This incredible feat marked the beginning of her meteoric rise in the cricketing world.
Her performances in various domestic tournaments, including the Women's Challenger Trophy in 2016, further cemented her position as a promising talent. She finished as the top scorer in the 2016 Challenger Trophy with 192 runs and played a crucial role in her team’s victory.
Mandhana also gained international exposure early in her career by signing up for various women’s leagues worldwide. She became the first Indian player to participate in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) with Brisbane Heat in 2016 and later played for teams like Western Storm and Hobart Hurricanes in the Kia Super League and WBBL, respectively.
International Career: A Star on the Global Stage
Smriti Mandhana made her international debut in 2014, starting with her Test match against England at Wormsley Park. In her second innings, she impressively scored 51 runs, contributing to India's memorable victory. However, it was her ODI debut in 2016, where she notched up her first century (102 runs against Australia), that really marked her arrival on the international scene.
2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup: Mandhana’s Major Impact
Mandhana's performances during the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup were remarkable. She emerged as one of India's key players, scoring an impressive 90 runs in the tournament's opening match against England. Her match-winning century against the West Indies showcased her exceptional talent. Despite India losing to England in the final, Mandhana's significant contributions to the team's historic journey to the final were widely recognized.
Her outstanding performances earned her a spot in the ICC Women’s Team of the Year in 2016, along with further nominations for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year in the subsequent years.Awards and Accolades
Mandhana's steady performances have earned her numerous prestigious awards. In 2018, she was honored as the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year and the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year. Additionally, she received the BCCI’s Best International Woman Cricketer award in June 2018. Her impressive accomplishments culminated in her winning the Arjuna Award in 2019, a notable recognition for her exceptional contributions to the sport.Captaincy and Leadership Role
Mandhana's leadership abilities came to the forefront in 2023 when she was named captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Under her guidance, RCB secured their first WPL title in 2024, representing a remarkable improvement from the prior season. Mandhana's strategic insights and leadership on the field played a crucial role in leading the team to success. Additionally, she ended the tournament as the second-highest run-scorer, demonstrating her talent for performing under pressure.Personal Life: A Love for Music and Film
Outside of cricket, Smriti Mandhana’s personal life showcases her down-to-earth personality. Since 2019, she has been in a relationship with music composer and filmmaker Palash Muchhal. Their connection has provided Mandhana with support as she navigates her busy cricket career alongside her personal passions.
Records and Achievements
Smriti Mandhana has made her mark in cricket history on several occasions. She became the fastest Indian woman to reach 4,000 runs in ODIs. Moreover, her impressive performance in T20Is saw her score the highest runs by an Indian player in a single calendar year, totaling 763 runs in 2024. Her exceptional talent for accumulating runs in consecutive T20I series, highlighted by a record-setting 193 runs in a bilateral series against South Africa in 2024, has firmly established her as one of the leading players in women’s cricket.
Her impressive record also includes being the first Indian woman to hit 10 centuries in ODIs, a milestone she achieved in 2025.