Smriti Mandhana has become a symbol of new-age aspiration in Indian sports, inspiring countless young dreamers with her journey from Sangli to international cricket stardom. Her path is one that every cricket lover and youth in India should know about, a story of talent, discipline, breaking records, and lighting the way for future generations.
Early Life & Family Background
Born on July 18, 1996, in Mumbai and raised in Sangli, Maharashtra, Smriti Shriniwas Mandhana was introduced to cricket at a very young age. Her father, Shrinivas Mandhana, and elder brother, Shravan, both played at the district level, nurturing her early interest and love for the game. Uniquely, Smriti is the only left-hander in her family, a differentiator that would shape her identity on the field.
- Family: Marwari Hindu background
- Father: Chemical distributor, former district-level cricketer
- Mother: Homemaker
- Brother: Shravan, a former district-level cricketer
- Education: Chintamanrao College of Commerce, Sangli (B.Com)
Inspired by watching her brother and strongly supported by her family, Smriti broke through early, selected for Maharashtra’s Under-15 team at just nine and Under-19 by eleven, highlighting her precocious talent from the start.
Biography on Smriti Mandhana
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Smriti Shriniwas Mandhana |
| Date of Birth | July 18, 1996 |
| Age (2025) | 29 years |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Hometown | Sangli, Maharashtra |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion/Caste | Hinduism / Marwari |
| Batting Style | Left-handed opening batter |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm offbreak (occasional) |
| Jersey Number | 18 (dedicated to Virat Kohli) |
| Education | B.Com, Chintamanrao College of Commerce |
| Relationship Status | Unmarried; reportedly dating Palash Muchhal |
| Net Worth (2025) | ₹32–33 Crores |
Family Details
| Family Member | Relation/Details |
|---|---|
| Shrinivas Mandhana | Father, former cricketer |
| Smita Mandhana | Mother |
| Shravan Mandhana | Brother, former cricketer |
Cricketing Journey: From Prodigy to International Star
Domestic & Youth Cricket
- Breakthrough: Unbeaten 224 for Maharashtra U19 in 2013 (then the highest by an Indian woman in one-day cricket)
- Recognition: Elegant left-handed opening batter, right-arm offbreak bowler (occasional)
- Jersey Number: 18, a tribute to Virat Kohli
International Debut & Early Triumphs
- T20I Debut: April 5, 2013, vs Bangladesh
- ODI Debut: April 10, 2013, vs Bangladesh
- Test Debut: August 13, 2014, vs England
Her international rise was rapid. On her Test debut, she scored a composed half-century in challenging English conditions. Her stylish batting and calm demeanour became her trademarks.
Key Achievements & Records
Match-Winning Performances
- First Indian woman to score centuries in all three formats: Tests, ODIs, and T20Is (2025 milestone)
- 11 ODI Centuries: Latest scored in a final, a record for Indian women
- Fastest T20I Fifty: For Indian women (off 24 balls vs New Zealand, 2019)
- RCB WPL Captain: Led Royal Challengers Bangalore to their maiden Women’s Premier League title in 2024
- Second-highest ODI run-getter for India
- All-time Women’s Cricket Record: 1,602 international runs in 2024 (most in a calendar year)
Awards & Milestones
| Year | Award/Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | ICC Women’s Cricketer, ODI Player of Year | Outstanding across all formats |
| 2019 | Arjuna Award | Major Indian sports honour |
| 2021 | ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year | International recognition |
| 2024 | ICC Women’s ODI, Cricketer of the Year | For record runs and consistency |
| 2025 | Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World | For her 2024 performances |
| 2025 | ToI “Cricketer of the Year” (Female) Nom. | For 2024 record-breaking year |
Leadership & Brand Influence
- RCB Captain (WPL): Her tactics and leadership inspired RCB’s breakthrough title in 2024, establishing her reputation as one of the game’s brightest leaders.
- Vice-captain, Indian Team: A pillar on and off the field.
- Endorsements: Hero, Bata, Boost, Nike, and several major brands.
- Brand Image: Highly marketable, she’s a national icon and a media favourite.
Smriti Mandhana: Modern Role Model
More than her records, Smriti’s story is about shattering barriers and inspiring a generation:
- Advocate for Women’s Cricket: Champions improved infrastructure, equal pay, and greater visibility for women athletes.
- Female Empowerment: Her journey from Sangli, her discipline, and bold career decisions inspire girls all over India.
- Campaigns: Featured in Nike and other international initiatives spotlighting women’s power in sports.
Personal Life, Traits & Interests
- Relationship: Unmarried (2025), rumoured partner musician Palash Muchhal
- Hobbies: Loves Bollywood/international music, travelling (esp. London), biryani and butter chicken.
- Unique trait: Only left-hander in the family; passionate about cricketing history and music.
- Personality: Down-to-earth, close to roots, always credits family for her success.
Statistical Highlights (as of mid-2025)
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest | 100s | 50s | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 7 | 629 | 149 | 2 | 3 | 57.18 |
| ODIs | 102 | 4473 | 136 | 11 | 31 | 46.59 |
| T20Is | 149 | 3873 | 112 | 1 | 30 | 30.02 |
Net worth: Approx. ₹33 crores (BCCI contracts, WPL, endorsements, international match fees)
Recent Highlights & Records
- Captained RCB Women to their first WPL title (2024)
- Became the first Indian woman to score centuries in all formats
- Broke India’s record for most women’s international runs in a calendar year (1,602 runs in 2024)
- Named Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World (2025)
- Consistently ranked in the world’s top 5 women’s batters (ODI & T20I, ICC rankings)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Smriti Mandhana, and why is she significant?
Smriti Mandhana is a star Indian cricketer, vice-captain of the national team, and RCB Women’s captain. She’s renowned for her left-handed batting, match-winning consistency, and global records.
What is Smriti Mandhana’s age, and where is she from?
Born July 18, 1996, she’s 29 years old (2025), from Sangli, Maharashtra.
What are Smriti Mandhana’s biggest cricketing achievements?
First Indian woman with centuries in all formats, 11 ODI tons, ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (multiple years), Arjuna Award, and led RCB to a WPL title.
How has Smriti Mandhana inspired women and girls?
Her small-town roots, advocacy for women athletes, and fighting spirit have made her a national role model, breaking social and sports barriers.
What unique records does Smriti Mandhana hold?
Most women’s international runs in a calendar year (1,602 in 2024); first Indian woman with Test, ODI, and T20I centuries; fastest T20I fifty (24 balls).
What does Smriti Mandhana do off the field?
Endorses major brands, champions women’s empowerment, is active on social media, and shares her journey to inspire girls in sports.
7. What is her net worth and sources of income?
Around ₹33 crores—salaries (BCCI, WPL), match fees, endorsements, and campaigns.
What leadership roles does she hold?
Vice-captain of Team India, RCB Women’s captain, and highest WPL 2023 auction buy. Led RCB to the 2024 WPL title.
What is her playing style?
Elegant, aggressive left-hander, top-order batter; cool, composed, and aggressive when needed.
How can fans follow or connect with Smriti Mandhana?
She is active on Instagram (@smriti_mandhana), sharing updates on her cricket and personal life.