Smriti Mandhana

Smriti Mandhana, born on July 18, 1996, in Mumbai, India, is a prominent figure in women's cricket. Raised in a cricket-loving family, her father, Shrinivas Mandhana, and brother, Shravan Mandhana, both played cricket at the district level, inspiring her to take up the sport.

Early Life and Inspiration

Growing up, Smriti was deeply influenced by her family's passion for cricket. She often accompanied her brother to practice sessions, which ignited her interest in the game. By the age of nine, she had secured a spot in Maharashtra's Under-15 team, and by eleven, she was playing for the state's Under-19 team.

Rise to Prominence

Smriti's breakthrough came in 2013 when she scored an unbeaten 224 off 150 balls in a domestic one-day match against Gujarat, making her the first Indian woman to achieve a double century in a List A game. Her international debut followed shortly after, and she quickly established herself as a reliable opening batter for India.

International Achievements

In 2016, Smriti became the first Indian woman cricketer to be named in the ICC Women's Team of the Year. Her consistent performances have been pivotal in India's successes on the international stage, including her contributions to the team's journey to the finals in various ICC tournaments.

Leadership in Women's Premier League (WPL)

Smriti's leadership qualities were recognized when she was appointed captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Women's Premier League. Under her captaincy, RCB clinched their first franchise cricket trophy in India during the second season of the WPL. She has expressed that the WPL has significantly changed conversations around women's cricket in India

Recent Highlights

In the opening match of the WPL's third season, Smriti's early dismissal was a setback for RCB. Despite this, her overall contributions to the team and the league remain invaluable

Off the Field

Beyond cricket, Smriti shares a friendly rapport with fellow cricketers, including Virat Kohli. Interestingly, both don the jersey number 18, a fact Smriti discovered after choosing the number for herself.

Recent Achievements and Records

In December 2024, Smriti Mandhana reclaimed the record for the most international runs in a calendar year in women's cricket, amassing 1,602 runs across all formats. This feat surpassed the previous record held by South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt, who had 1,593 runs that year. Additionally, Mandhana set a new benchmark for the most T20 International runs in a single year, accumulating 763 runs in 2024.

Personal Life

Off the field, Smriti Mandhana has been in a relationship with Bollywood music composer and filmmaker Palash Munchhal since 2019. The couple celebrated their fifth anniversary in 2024, often sharing glimpses of their time together on social media. Palash, known for his work in the Indian music industry, has been a supportive presence during Mandhana's cricketing endeavors.

Recognition and Awards

Her consistent performances have earned her numerous accolades, including being named in The Guardian's Women's Cricket Team of the Year in December 2024. This recognition highlights her status as one of the premier batters in international women's cricket