Smriti Mandhana

Smriti Mandhana
Full name	Smriti Shriniwas Mandhana
Born	18 July 1996 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Nationality	Indian
Batting	Left-handed
Bowling	Right-arm off-break
Role	Opening batter
Teams	India, Maharashtra, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Brisbane Heat, Sydney Thunder, Adelaide Strikers, Southern Brave

Smriti Shriniwas Mandhana (born 18 July 1996) is an Indian international women’s cricketer who plays as an opening batter for the India women’s national team. Renowned for her elegant stroke play and consistency, she is widely considered one of the finest batters in women’s cricket. Mandhana played a central role in India’s triumph at the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and is among the most decorated cricketers of her generation.

Early Life and Background

Smriti Mandhana was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and later grew up in Sangli. Her father, Shrinivas Mandhana, is a chemical distributor, while her mother, Smita Mandhana, is a homemaker. Her brother, Shravan Mandhana, played cricket at the district level and introduced her to the sport.

Mandhana joined Maharashtra’s Under-15 team at the age of nine and progressed to the Under-19 side by eleven. She completed her education at Chintaman Rao College of Commerce while simultaneously pursuing professional cricket.

Rise in Domestic and International Cricket

Mandhana rose to national prominence in 2013 after scoring an unbeaten 224 in an Under-19 domestic match against Gujarat. The innings remains one of the fastest double centuries in women’s cricket.

She made her international debut for India against Bangladesh in April 2013. In 2014, she earned her Test cap against England, scoring a half-century in her second innings. Her maiden international century came in 2016 against Australia in Hobart, marking her arrival as a global batting star.

Career Highlights and Records

As of November 2025, Smriti Mandhana has scored over 9,500 international runs and 17 centuries, the joint-most by a woman in international cricket. She became the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three formats of the game.

In September 2025, she recorded the fastest ODI century by an Indian batter, reaching the landmark in 50 balls against Australia. Her batting records and consistency have placed her alongside legends such as Meg Lanning and Mithali Raj.

Captaincy and Franchise Cricket

Mandhana captained the Trailblazers to victory in the 2020 Women’s T20 Challenge. She later became captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League, leading the franchise to its maiden WPL title in 2024.

She has also featured prominently in overseas leagues, including The Hundred with Southern Brave and the Women’s Big Bash League with Brisbane Heat, Sydney Thunder, and Adelaide Strikers.

2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup

Mandhana was instrumental in India’s historic victory at the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. Serving as vice-captain, she scored a century against New Zealand and several match-winning innings during the tournament.

India defeated South Africa in the final, lifting the World Cup for the first time. Mandhana’s performances were widely praised for their impact and composure under pressure.

Awards and Recognition

Mandhana has received numerous accolades, including the Arjuna Award (2019), multiple ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year honors, and Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World (2024). In 2025, she was named the BCCI Best International Cricketer (Female) following India’s World Cup triumph.

Personal Life

Smriti Mandhana maintains a private personal life. She is reportedly in a relationship with music composer Palash Muchhal. Off the field, she is an advocate for women’s sports and equal recognition in cricket.