In a sport historically dominated by men, Smriti Mandhana has emerged as one of the most influential figures reshaping the landscape of Indian cricket. The 29-year-old left-handed opener, who led India to the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup victory, stands today not just as a sportswoman but as a symbol of consistency, leadership, and global excellence in women’s cricket.

Early Life and Background

Born on 18 July 1996 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Smriti Mandhana’s journey into cricket began in the lanes of Sangli, where her family later settled. Her father, Shrinivas Mandhana, a chemical distributor, and mother Smita Mandhana, a homemaker, played pivotal roles in nurturing her ambition. Her brother, Shravan, also played local-level cricket, inspiring Smriti to pick up the bat at a young age.

By the age of nine, she had already been selected for Maharashtra’s Under-15 team, and by eleven, she made it to the Under-19 squad — a clear indication of her prodigious talent. After completing her education at Chintaman Rao College of Commerce, Mandhana set her sights on a professional cricket career that would soon place her among the greats of the game.

Rise in Domestic and International Cricket

Mandhana’s breakout moment arrived in 2013, when she scored a double century — an unbeaten 224 off 150 balls — in a domestic Under-19 match against Gujarat. This record-breaking feat drew national attention and soon paved her way into the Indian national side.

She made her international debut in April 2013 against Bangladesh and immediately impressed selectors with her aggressive yet graceful batting style. A year later, she earned her Test cap against England, scoring a composed 51 in her second innings — an early glimpse of her potential under pressure.

Over the years, Smriti Mandhana became synonymous with elegance and dominance. Her maiden century came in 2016 against Australia at Hobart, setting the tone for what would become a decade of record-breaking performances.

Career Highlights and Major Achievements

Mandhana’s career is decorated with milestones that define her as one of the modern greats of cricket. As of November 2025, she has scored over 9,500 international runs, including 17 centuries, sharing the record for the most international centuries by a woman alongside Australia’s Meg Lanning.

She is also the first Indian woman to score a century in all three formats — Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. In September 2025, she etched her name in history again by smashing the fastest century in ODIs by an Indian batter, achieving it in just 50 balls against Australia.

Her captaincy journey began when she led the Trailblazers in the Women’s T20 Challenge, guiding them to a title victory in 2020. Later, as captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), she led her side to its first championship title in 2024, marking a defining moment for the franchise and women’s cricket in India.

Latest News: The 2025 World Cup Triumph

The highlight of Mandhana’s glittering career came in November 2025, when she played a crucial role as vice-captain of Team India during their historic ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup victory. India defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the final at the DY Patil Stadium, lifting the trophy for the first time.

Mandhana’s consistency throughout the tournament was vital — she scored a century against New Zealand and multiple match-defining innings that helped India remain unbeaten through the group stage. Her performance not only reaffirmed her place among the sport’s elite but also inspired millions of young girls across India to pursue cricket professionally.

Following the World Cup, she was once again honored by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as the Best International Cricketer (Female) for 2025, adding to her already remarkable collection of accolades, including four ICC Awards, the Arjuna Award (2019), and Wisden’s Leading Cricketer in the World (2024).

Impact and Recognition

Smriti Mandhana’s influence transcends boundaries. Known for her calm demeanor and professionalism, she has become the face of Indian women’s cricket both on and off the field. Her ability to dominate world-class bowling attacks while maintaining poise under pressure has drawn comparisons with legends like Mithali Raj and Meg Lanning.

Beyond the statistics, Mandhana’s success has significantly contributed to the growing popularity and commercial appeal of women’s cricket in India. Her record-breaking performances, combined with her leadership roles in domestic and international leagues — from The Hundred’s Southern Brave to WBBL sides like Brisbane Heat, Sydney Thunder, and Adelaide Strikers — have made her one of the most sought-after athletes in global cricket.

Personal Life and Off-Field Presence

Away from the field, Smriti Mandhana is known for her grounded personality and humility. She has been in a relationship with music composer and filmmaker Palash Muchhal since 2019, though she remains largely private about her personal life.

Her off-field ventures include promoting sports education and encouraging young women to take up cricket. She has also been a vocal advocate for equal pay and recognition for female cricketers, aligning her voice with the evolving narrative of gender equality in sports.

Outlook and Legacy

As Smriti Mandhana enters her thirties, her focus remains on consistency, mentorship, and maintaining India’s dominance in global tournaments. With her batting averages — 57.18 in Tests, 48.38 in ODIs, and nearly 30 in T20Is — Mandhana continues to be the cornerstone of India’s batting lineup.

Her journey from the cricket grounds of Sangli to the world stage embodies resilience, excellence, and leadership. For millions of fans, she is not just a cricketer — she is a trailblazer redefining the future of women’s cricket.

Most Searched FAQs

Q1: What is Smriti Mandhana’s age?
Smriti Mandhana is 29 years old, born on 18 July 1996 in Mumbai, India.

Q2: What is Smriti Mandhana’s role in the Indian team?
She is the vice-captain and opening batter for the Indian women’s national cricket team.

Q3: Who is Smriti Mandhana’s husband or boyfriend?
She is reportedly in a relationship with music composer Palash Muchhal.

Q4: How many centuries has Smriti Mandhana scored?
As of November 2025, Mandhana has 17 international centuries, the joint-most in women’s cricket.

Q5: Which team does Smriti Mandhana captain in the WPL?
She captains Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who won the 2024 WPL title under her leadership.

Q6: What awards has Smriti Mandhana won?
She has received several honors, including the Arjuna Award (2019), ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2018, 2021, 2024), and Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World (2024).