Smriti Shriniwas Mandhana (born July 18, 1996, in Mumbai, Maharashtra) is one of India’s most celebrated women cricketers. Known for her elegant left-handed batting and aggressive stroke play, Mandhana has redefined the role of an opener in women’s cricket. As vice-captain of the Indian national team, she has led her side in key tournaments, including the 2024 WPL, while setting records across all formats.
Raised in the quiet suburb of Madhavnagar, Sangli, Mandhana’s passion for cricket was sparked by watching her father and brother play. Her early exposure to the game, combined with family support, enabled her to overcome societal pressures that often questioned girls’ involvement in sports. By her teens, she was already making waves in domestic cricket, setting the stage for a remarkable international career.
Her graceful yet fearless batting style, along with leadership skills, has inspired a generation of girls to pursue cricket, while her performances in leagues like the WPL and WBBL have elevated the visibility of women’s cricket in India.
Quick Facts of Smriti Mandhana
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Smriti Shriniwas Mandhana |
| Date of Birth | July 18, 1996 |
| Place of Birth | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 5′5″ (1.65 m) |
| Role | Left-hand batter, Vice-captain |
| Domestic/Franchise | Maharashtra, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (WPL), Brisbane Heat (WBBL) |
| Notable Achievements | First Indian woman to score centuries in all formats, fastest 4,000 ODI runs, WPL 2024 title as captain, ICC Cricketer of the Year 2018 & 2021, Arjuna Award 2019 |
| Net Worth | ~$4 million (Rs 33 crore) |
| Relationship Status | In a relationship (Palash Muchhal) |
| Children | None |
Early Life and Family Background
Born into a Marwari Hindu family, Smriti was raised in Sangli, Maharashtra, after her family moved from Mumbai when she was two. Her father, Shrinivas Mandhana, was a former district-level cricketer and a chemical distributor, while her mother, Smita, managed the household. Her brother, Shravan, also played cricket at the district level before joining banking.
From a young age, Smriti’s household encouraged her love for cricket. Despite societal taunts, such as neighbors warning her parents that “no one will marry her,” she remained undeterred. Early exposure to cricket in the backyard and structured training led her to join Maharashtra Under-15 at age 9 and Under-19 at 11, showcasing prodigious talent.
Education remained important, with Smriti attending Chintaman Rao College of Commerce, but her focus was firmly on cricket. Cultural influences, including watching international matches, shaped her elegant style and mental toughness, helping her navigate criticism and high-pressure situations.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Stardom
Smriti’s domestic career took off in 2010 with Maharashtra, and she gained national attention by scoring a double century (224) in a domestic ODI in 2013*. That same year, she made her international debut in T20Is and ODIs against Bangladesh, followed by her Test debut against England in 2014.
Early career challenges, such as inconsistent form, were overcome through dedication and technical refinement. Key milestones, including half-centuries in the 2016 Challenger Trophy and her signing with Brisbane Heat in WBBL, provided exposure to diverse conditions and strengthened her adaptability as an opener.
Pinnacle Performances and Accolades
- First Indian woman to score centuries in all formats, including a T20I century vs England (June 28, 2025).
- Test century against Australia in 2021, first Indian female to do so on Australian soil.
- WPL 2024 title: Led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to victory as captain while finishing as second-highest run-scorer.
- Awards: ICC Cricketer of the Year (2018 & 2021), Arjuna Award (2019), Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World (2025).
- Records: Fastest fifty in Women’s T20Is (24 balls vs New Zealand, 2019), most T20I runs in a single year (763 in 2024), fastest ODI century (70 balls, Jan 15, 2025).
Mandhana’s career combines consistency, elegance, and aggression, inspiring both teammates and aspiring cricketers globally.
Recent Form and Current Influence
As of September 2025, Mandhana reclaimed the No.1 spot in ICC Women’s ODI batting rankings, just ahead of the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup. Her prolific partnership with opener Pratika Rawal has been pivotal, amassing over 1,200 runs in 15 innings and delivering 11 fifty-plus stands.
Off the field, she balances social responsibility, mentoring young players, and advocating for gender equality in sports. Her public engagements, like highlighting issues following the Pahalgam attack in April 2025, illustrate her commitment beyond cricket.
Personal Life and Relationships
Smriti has been in a relationship with music composer-filmmaker Palash Muchhal since 2019. Her family—parents and brother—remain her anchor, providing emotional and strategic support throughout her career. She has no children and keeps her personal life private, focusing on cricket while nurturing family ties.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Estimated at $4 million (≈ Rs 33 crore) in 2025, Smriti’s earnings stem from:
- BCCI contracts (Grade A central contract)
- WPL salary (~Rs 3.4 crore in 2024 as highest-bid RCB player)
- Endorsements: Garnier, Mastercard, Hyundai, Red Bull
- Investments: Ayurvedic startup Neem Ayu
Her lifestyle balances luxury and groundedness, with a home in Sangli, global travel for leagues, philanthropy, and fitness routines. She remains modest, crediting her family for keeping her rooted amid fame.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- First Indian woman to score a double century in ODIs.
- Loves Bollywood music and cooking Maharashtrian dishes.
- Red Bull athlete, fueling energy and focus during matches.
- Ambidextrous in daily tasks, contributing to fielding versatility.
- Nominated for BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year in 2024.
Charity and Giving Back
Smriti supports education and basic needs for underprivileged children, promotes wellness through startups like Neem Ayu, and advocates for women’s empowerment in sports. Early societal taunts motivated her to become a role model, highlighting resilience and dedication.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Mandhana’s influence extends beyond cricket—raising visibility for women’s sports, inspiring global audiences, and empowering young female athletes. She is a trailblazer whose elegant yet aggressive style has become a blueprint for aspiring cricketers.
Closing Thoughts
Smriti Mandhana’s journey is a testament to talent, perseverance, and cultural impact. From a cricket-loving child in Sangli to India’s vice-captain, she has broken barriers and continues to inspire millions. As the 2025 World Cup approaches, her story is far from over, promising new records and continued leadership on and off the field.
