Smriti Mandhana

Biography

Smriti Shriniwas Mandhana, born on July 18, 1996, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, has become one of the most recognizable and admired faces in Indian women's cricket. A left-handed opening batter known for her graceful strokeplay and aggressive intent, Mandhana has consistently performed at the highest level, earning numerous accolades and the adoration of fans worldwide.   

Early Life and Introduction to Cricket

Growing up in a family with a passion for cricket, Mandhana's journey with the sport began at a young age. Her father, Shrinivas, and brother, Shravan, both played at the district level, and it was while watching her brother play that the young Smriti was inspired to take up the game. Despite being naturally right-handed, she adopted left-handed batting, having closely observed her brother's sessions. By the age of nine, her talent was evident as she was selected for Maharashtra's Under-15 team, followed by a swift promotion to the Under-19 team at just eleven.   

Domestic Career

Mandhana's domestic career saw her represent Maharashtra, where she made an immediate impact. In 2013, she became the first Indian woman to score a double century in a one-day game, smashing an unbeaten 224 off 150 balls in the West Zone Under-19 Tournament. Her consistent performances in domestic cricket paved the way for her international debut. 

She has also participated in various franchise leagues, including the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia, representing Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes, and The Hundred in England, playing for Southern Brave and Sydney Thunder. In the Women's Premier League (WPL), she was the highest-bid player in the inaugural auction, being signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore and also appointed as the team's captain.   

International Career

Smriti Mandhana made her international debut for India in a T20I against Bangladesh in April 2013, followed by her ODI debut later that month. Her Test debut came in August 2014 against England, where she played a crucial role in India's historic Test win. Since then, she has become a mainstay of the Indian batting lineup across all formats.

Key Achievements and Records

First Indian Woman to Score a Double Century in a One-Day Game: Achieved in 2013 in a domestic Under-19 match.

ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year (Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award): Won in 2018 and 2021.

ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year: Won in 2018 and 2024.

BCCI's Best Women's International Cricketer: Awarded multiple times.   

Arjuna Award: Received in 2019 for her outstanding contribution to sports.

Fastest ODI Century by an Indian Woman: Scored in 70 balls against Ireland in January 2025.   

First Woman to Score Four ODI Centuries in a Calendar Year: Achieved in 2024.   

Youngest T20I Captain for India (Women): Led the team at the age of 22 in 2019.

Numerous Records in T20Is and ODIs: Including being among the leading run-scorers for India in both formats and holding records for fastest fifties and hundreds.   

Part of Medal-Winning Teams: Silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games.