Smriti Mandhana is not just a cricketer; she is a phenomenon. With her graceful stroke play and fearless approach, she has captivated millions and redefined the landscape of women’s cricket. Her journey from the small town of Sangli to the pinnacle of international cricket is a testament to her talent, hard work, and unwavering dedication.
This post delves into the inspiring life, illustrious cricket career, and significant net worth of the Indian vice-captain. We’ll also break down the details of her most recent masterclass—a sensational century against Australia—that has once again put the cricketing world on notice.
The Rise of a Batting Prodigy: Early Life & Career
Born in Mumbai on July 18, 1996, Smriti Mandhana’s cricketing journey began not in a big city academy, but in the by-lanes of Sangli, Maharashtra. Cricket was a family affair; her father had played at the district level, and her brother, Shravan, represented Maharashtra in junior-level tournaments. It was watching her brother’s matches that sparked a fire in a young Smriti.
At just nine years old, she was selected for the Maharashtra Under-15 team, and by the age of 11, she was already playing for the state’s U-19 side. Her breakthrough moment came in 2013 when, at a domestic tournament, she became the first Indian woman to score a double century in a one-day game, blasting an unbeaten 224 off just 150 balls. This performance didn’t just turn heads; it announced the arrival of a future superstar.
The Unstoppable Cricket Career of Smriti Mandhana
Her international debut came swiftly thereafter. Since stepping onto the field for India in 2013, Smriti has consistently been a vital cog in the team’s batting lineup. Her elegant left-handed style and aggressive shot selection have earned her comparisons to some of the greatest batters in the sport.
Key Milestones and Achievements
- First Indian Woman to Score a Double Hundred: Her 224-run knock in domestic cricket remains a benchmark of her early prowess.
- The Fastest Indian to 4,000 ODI Runs: Smriti Mandhana holds the record for being the quickest Indian woman to achieve this milestone, a testament to her consistency at the top of the order.
- Centuries in All Three Formats: A rare feat that places her among a handful of elite cricketers globally. She has a century in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, showcasing her versatility.
- ICC Cricketer of the Year Awards: She has been recognized with the prestigious Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year multiple times, most recently in 2024.
Beyond the national team, Smriti has been a hot commodity in franchise leagues worldwide. She has played in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia and The Hundred in England. Most notably, she was the most expensive player in the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction, signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for a record-breaking ₹3.4 crore. As the captain of the RCB side, she led them to a historic WPL title win, further cementing her legacy.
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A Financial Icon: Smriti Mandhana’s Net Worth
Smriti Mandhana’s success on the field has translated into significant financial success off it. As one of the most marketable faces in women’s cricket, her earnings come from a diverse range of sources, including her playing contracts, brand endorsements, and other ventures.
According to recent estimates, Smriti Mandhana’s net worth is valued at approximately ₹32-33 crore ($4 million). This makes her one of the wealthiest and most bankable female athletes in India.
Her income streams include:
- WPL Contract: Her historic ₹3.4 crore deal with Royal Challengers Bangalore is a major contributor to her wealth.
- BCCI Central Contract: As a top-tier player, she earns a substantial annual salary from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
- Match Fees: She receives match fees for every international game she plays across all three formats.
- Brand Endorsements: Smriti has signed lucrative endorsement deals with several major brands, including Nike, Red Bull, and Hero MotoCorp.
Her financial success is a powerful symbol of the growing commercial viability of women’s cricket, with her earnings reflecting the rising stature of female athletes.
The Latest Masterclass: A Century Against Australia
On September 17, 2025, Smriti Mandhana produced one of her finest innings yet, showcasing her class and temperament under pressure. In the second ODI of the series against Australia in New Chandigarh, she played a breathtaking knock that anchored India’s innings and set up a massive victory.
- The Knock: Batting first, Mandhana took on the world champions with a fearless approach. She scored a scintillating 117 runs off just 91 balls, an innings that included 14 fours and 4 towering sixes.
- A Historic Milestone: Her century came off just 77 balls, making it the second-fastest hundred by an Indian woman in ODIs, second only to her own record of a 70-ball ton against Ireland.
- Equalling a World Record: With this century, her 12th in ODIs as an opener, she equaled the world record for the most centuries by an opener in women’s ODI cricket. She now shares the record with New Zealand’s Suzie Bates and England’s Tammy Beaumont.
After the match, an elated Smriti expressed her relief, stating, “The last two hundreds that I got against Australia were in a losing cause, so I’m happy we won the match today.” Her knock was not just about personal glory; it was a match-winning effort that helped India secure a comprehensive 102-run victory and level the series.
A Legacy in the Making
Smriti Mandhana’s journey is far from over. At just 29, she has already achieved more than many cricketers do in their entire careers. Her elegant batting style, leadership qualities, and growing influence as a brand icon make her a true trailblazer. She is not just scoring runs; she is inspiring a new generation of girls to pick up a bat and dream big.
Her life story is a powerful reminder that with immense talent and a strong work ethic, it is possible to break barriers and leave an indelible mark on the world. The golden girl of Indian cricket continues to shine brightly, and we can only expect more records to tumble and more unforgettable moments to be created.
