This comprehensive profile covers Smriti Mandhana’s verified career statistics, records, leadership roles in the WPL, and personal life. Get an in-depth look at the journey of one of cricket’s most celebrated stars.
Who is Smriti Mandhana? An Introduction to the Cricket Sensation
Smriti Mandhana is the premier opening batter for the Indian Women’s National Cricket Team and a globally recognized cricket icon. Known for her stylish and aggressive left-handed batting, she is the vice-captain of the Indian team and the celebrated captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Her career is highlighted by major achievements, including twice winning the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year award.
Beyond her on-field prowess, Mandhana’s popularity has earned her the title ‘National Crush of India’, making her one of the most influential figures in the sport.
Player Profile: Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Smriti Shriniwas Mandhana |
| Nickname | Maddy |
| Date of Birth | July 18, 1996 |
| Age | 28 (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off-break |
| Role | Opening Batter |
| Major Teams | India, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Maharashtra, Southern Brave, Sydney Thunder, Brisbane Heat |
Early Life and Cricketing Roots
Born in Mumbai and raised in Sangli, Maharashtra, Smriti Mandhana grew up in a family deeply passionate about cricket. Her father, Shrinivas, and brother, Shravan, were both district-level cricketers, creating a perfect environment for her to develop her skills. Inspired by watching her brother play, she decided to pursue cricket professionally. Her talent was evident early on; at just nine years old, she was selected for Maharashtra’s Under-15 team.
The Making of a Champion
Smriti Mandhana’s breakthrough moment came in October 2013 during a West Zone Under-19 Tournament. Representing Maharashtra, she smashed an unbeaten 224 off just 150 balls against Gujarat, becoming the first Indian woman to score a double-century in a one-day game. This incredible feat, achieved with a bat gifted by Indian legend Rahul Dravid, announced her arrival on the national stage and solidified her reputation as a prodigious talent. Her father, who also acted as her early coach, played a pivotal role in shaping her technique and mindset.
Smriti Mandhana’s International Career: A Timeline of Success
Smriti Mandhana’s international career charts a remarkable journey from a teenage prodigy to a senior leader in the Indian team. As an opening batter, she is known for her consistency across all formats and her ability to anchor the innings or attack from the outset, especially in high-pressure tournaments.
Debut and Early Years (2013-2017)
Mandhana made her international debut as a 16-year-old. She played her first T20I and ODI matches against Bangladesh in April 2013. Her Test debut followed a year later against England in August 2014, where she contributed to a historic win with a crucial half-century in the second innings. Her first international hundred came against Australia in an ODI at Hobart in 2016, a knock that showcased her class against a top-tier opponent.
Rise to Stardom and Key Milestones (2017-Present)
The 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup was a turning point for Smriti Mandhana. She started the tournament with two match-winning scores of 90 and 106*, grabbing global attention. Since then, her career has been on a steep upward trajectory.
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Top-Ranked Batter: In 2019, she rose to become the No. 1 ranked ODI batter in the world.
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Test Century: She scored her maiden Test century against Australia in 2021, a magnificent 127 in a historic day-night Test.
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Leadership Role: As of 2024, she serves as the vice-captain of the Indian team, playing a crucial role in mentoring younger players.
Record-Breaking Performances
Smriti Mandhana holds several impressive records that underscore her impact on the game:
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Fastest T20I Fifty: She holds the record for the fastest T20I fifty by an Indian woman, scored in just 24 balls.
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Youngest T20I Captain: She became the youngest T20I captain for India at the age of 22.
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Pink-Ball Pioneer: She is the first Indian woman to score a century in a pink-ball day-night Test match.
The Franchise Star: Smriti Mandhana in T20 Leagues
Smriti Mandhana is one of the most sought-after players in franchise T20 cricket worldwide. Her explosive batting and leadership qualities have made her a marquee player in leagues like the WPL , WBBL , and The Hundred , significantly boosting the profile of women’s franchise cricket.
Captaincy in the WPL (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
In the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction in 2023, Smriti Mandhana was the most expensive player, bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for ₹3.4 crore (approx. $410,000 USD). Appointed as the team’s captain, she led RCB to their maiden WPL title in the 2024 season, a historic achievement that cemented her legacy as a successful leader. Her calm and strategic captaincy was widely praised throughout the tournament.
Global T20 Experience: WBBL and The Hundred
Mandhana’s global T20 journey includes successful stints in Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) with the Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder. In the UK, she has been a star performer for the Southern Brave in The Hundred, where she has consistently been among the top run-scorers. This extensive experience against the world’s best players has been instrumental in shaping her into the formidable batter she is today.
Smriti Mandhana’s Batting Style: The Art of Left-Handed Grace
Smriti Mandhana is widely admired for her elegant and technically sound batting style. Her game is built on a foundation of exceptional timing and graceful stroke play, particularly through the off-side. Her effortless style has drawn comparisons to legendary left-handed batters like Sourav Ganguly and Kumar Sangakkara.
A Breakdown of Her Technique
Mandhana’s technique is a blend of classical form and modern aggression. She maintains a balanced stance, a steady head position, and a smooth bat swing that allows her to generate power with minimal effort. Her exceptional hand-eye coordination enables her to pick the length of the ball early and place her shots with surgical precision. She possesses the versatility to build an innings patiently or dominate bowlers from the first ball.
Signature Shots and Strengths
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Cover Drive: Her signature shot is the cover drive, executed with a flawless technique that cricket purists admire.
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Pull Shot: She is equally proficient on the back foot, playing powerful short-arm pulls and hooks against fast bowlers.
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Lofted Shots: Her ability to clear the infield with elegant lofted shots over cover and mid-off is a key feature of her T20 game.
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Versatility: She is a master at playing both spin and pace, using her feet effectively to counter spinners and her timing to handle fast bowlers.
Career Statistics Across Formats
This table summarizes Smriti Mandhana’s international career statistics.
(Stats accurate as of mid-2024)
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 7 | 629 | 48.38 | 56.40 | 2 | 3 |
| ODI | 84 | 3359 | 42.51 | 83.74 | 6 | 26 |
| T20I | 132 | 3224 | 27.80 | 122.93 | 0 | 24 |
Awards and Major Achievements
Smriti Mandhana’s cabinet is filled with some of cricket’s most prestigious awards, reinforcing her status as one of the game’s elite players.
ICC Awards and Recognitions
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Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy (ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year): 2018, 2021
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ICC Women’s ODI Player of the Year: 2018
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ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022
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ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year: 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022
National Honours
- Arjuna Award (2018): She was honoured with the Arjuna Award by the Government of India, which is the country’s second-highest sporting honour, in recognition of her outstanding achievements in cricket.
Beyond the Boundary: Personal Life, Net Worth, and Brand Value
Off the field, Smriti Mandhana is a popular public figure, a brand ambassador for numerous companies, and a role model for millions.
Family, Relationships, and Personal Interests
Smriti Mandhana remains very close to her family—her father Shrinivas, mother Smita, and brother Shravan—who have been her strongest support system. Regarding her personal life, a common search query is ‘Smriti Mandhana husband’. As of 2024, she is unmarried. Outside of cricket, she enjoys listening to music and spending time with her family.
Net Worth and Endorsements
As one of the world’s leading female cricketers, Smriti Mandhana has significant brand value.
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Estimated Net Worth: As of 2024, her estimated net worth is around ₹35-40 crore (approx. $4-5 million USD), making her one of the wealthiest female cricketers.
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Major Endorsements: She endorses major brands like Hero MotoCorp, Hyundai, Red Bull, Gulf Oil, and Nike.
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Salary: Her income is derived from her BCCI central contract, match fees, and her lucrative WPL salary from Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Social Media Presence
Smriti Mandhana has a massive following on social media, with millions of fans on platforms like Instagram. She uses her platform to share insights into her life, training routines, and brand collaborations, further solidifying her influence as a youth icon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Smriti Mandhana’s jersey number?
Smriti Mandhana’s jersey number is 18 for the Indian team and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Who is Smriti Mandhana’s husband or partner?
As of 2024, Smriti Mandhana is unmarried and has kept her personal relationship status private.
How much was Smriti Mandhana bought for in the WPL auction?
Smriti Mandhana was the most expensive player in the inaugural WPL auction in 2023, bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for ₹3.4 crore.
Which teams has Smriti Mandhana played for?
Smriti Mandhana has played for India, Maharashtra, Royal Challengers Bangalore (WPL), Southern Brave (The Hundred), Sydney Thunder, and Brisbane Heat (WBBL).
What are some of Smriti Mandhana’s biggest records?
Her biggest records include being the first Indian woman to score a double-century in a one-day match, the first to score a century in a pink-ball Test, and being a two-time winner of the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year award.
Why is Smriti Mandhana called the ‘National Crush of India’?
She earned this popular title due to her impressive cricketing talent, charming personality, and widespread popularity among fans across the country.
Has Smriti Mandhana won the WPL?
Yes, as captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Smriti Mandhana led her team to victory in the 2024 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season.
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