If perfection had a batting stance, it would probably look like Smriti Mandhana’s cover drive — elegant, effortless, and endlessly effective. Over the past year and a half, Mandhana has been in a form that feels almost supernatural. Her rhythm, timing, and hunger for runs have placed her in a zone where every innings seems destined for greatness. From setting records in One-Day Internationals to conquering Tests and T20s, she’s not just playing cricket — she’s rewriting its history.
Smriti Mandhana: The Epitome of Grace and Grit
What makes Smriti Mandhana stand out? Is it her technique, her temperament, or her tireless consistency? The answer lies in a rare combination of all three. For the last 15 months, the Indian vice-captain has lived “in the zone” — a mental state that athletes dream of but seldom sustain. Her composure under pressure and ability to find boundaries with ease make her one of the most complete cricketers in the modern era.
The Making of a Modern Icon
Born in Sangli, Maharashtra, Mandhana’s journey began like many Indian prodigies — with raw talent nurtured by discipline and vision. From a young age, her family recognized her potential, and she repaid their faith by becoming the face of Indian women’s cricket. Today, she is not just a national star but a global ambassador for the game, inspiring millions of young girls to pick up the bat.
Smriti Mandhana’s Unmatched Form Since June 2024
Since June 2024, Mandhana’s numbers have been nothing short of phenomenal. Her record across all formats showcases an athlete operating at the very peak of human performance.
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s/50s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 35 | 33 | 2011 | 62.84 | 105.12 | 9/8 | 136 |
| T20Is | 20 | 18 | 762 | 47.62 | 136.80 | 1/8 | 112 |
| Tests | 1 | 1 | 149 | 149.00 | 92.54 | 1/0 | 149 |
Mandhana’s dominance is not just statistical — it’s psychological. Bowlers fear her rhythm, captains plan entire field settings for her, yet she keeps finding ways to outthink them all.
A Record-Breaking Streak Like No Other
No other player in women’s cricket history has amassed over 2000 ODI runs in a span of just 33 innings. Her 2011 runs came at a blistering strike rate of 105.12 — a rare blend of power and precision. Even cricket legends like Belinda Clark and Meg Lanning fall short in comparison during similar stretches.
| Batter | Runs | Period | Average | Strike Rate | 100s/50s | % of Team Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | 2011 | 2024–25 | 62.84 | 105.12 | 9/8 | 23.04% |
| Belinda Clark | 1999 | 1997–2000 | 71.39 | 81.83 | 4/13 | 27.34% |
| Meg Lanning | 1870 | 2014–2017 | 71.92 | 94.40 | 7/7 | 24.81% |
These numbers aren’t mere statistics — they are a testament to Mandhana’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
Smriti Mandhana’s Golden Run in Bengaluru
Mandhana’s purple patch began with a spectacular sequence in June 2024 against South Africa in Bengaluru — 117, 136, and 90. Each innings carried her hallmark balance of aggression and grace. The innings against South Africa set the tone for a record-laden year, one where boundaries came naturally, and centuries came often.
Redefining What It Means to Be “In the Zone”
In cricket, players often speak about being “in the zone.” For Mandhana, that phrase became her permanent residence. Her ability to switch gears, judge length early, and place shots with surgical precision has elevated her from star to phenomenon.
When asked about her secret, she once said:
“It’s not about chasing records. It’s about staying present — one ball, one run, one moment at a time.”
That mental clarity has become her superpower.
Consistency Across Continents
From Bengaluru to Melbourne, from Colombo to Nottingham — Mandhana’s bat has sung the same tune. Whether it’s facing the swing in England or tackling spin in the subcontinent, she’s adapted seamlessly.
Her nine ODI centuries in just 33 innings mark an unprecedented level of consistency — a reminder that greatness isn’t accidental, it’s crafted with discipline.
Saving Her Best for the Best
There’s something about elite opponents that brings out the best in Smriti Mandhana. Against Australia, arguably the toughest team in the world, her record sparkles. Her last five ODI scores against them read like a dream sequence: 105, 58, 117, 125, and 80.
Each knock told a different story — one of grit, precision, and poise. Her 125 off 63 balls in Delhi wasn’t just a match-winner; it was the fastest hundred ever by an Indian in women’s ODIs.
The Secret Behind Her Success: Versatility
A closer look at Mandhana’s record reveals a balanced mastery over both pace and spin. Few players in world cricket maintain such high averages against both styles.
| Bowling Type | Innings | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pace | 33 | 1104 | 1076 | 102.60 | 78.85 |
| Spin | 26 | 907 | 837 | 108.36 | 60.46 |
This ability to dominate any attack, anywhere in the world, is what makes her truly world-class.
Smriti Mandhana’s Century Across Formats
Few players have conquered all formats of cricket. On June 28, 2025, Smriti Mandhana joined that elite list with a breathtaking 112 off 62 balls against England in Nottingham.
That century came exactly one year after her 149 in a Test against South Africa — completing her trifecta of hundreds in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Smriti Mandhana – Redefining the Peak of Perfection
The phrase “redefining the peak of perfection” fits Smriti Mandhana like a glove. She has reached a level where her performances aren’t just about numbers but about artistry. Every drive, every flick, and every lofted shot embodies the poetry of cricket.
At just 28, she’s already achieved milestones that many dream of. But what sets her apart is her humility — her constant desire to learn, improve, and inspire.
Breaking Barriers in 2025: A Year of Records
The year 2025 will forever be etched in cricket history as the Mandhana Year.
- 1293 runs in ODIs — the most ever in a calendar year.
- Five centuries — equaling global records.
- 31 sixes — the highest in women’s ODIs for a single year.
She didn’t just break records; she shattered perceptions about what’s possible in women’s cricket.
Partnership of Legends: Mandhana and Pratika Rawal
Cricket is often called a team sport of individual brilliance. For India, the partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal has been revolutionary.
Their 1557-run tally in ODIs during 2025 stands as the second-highest partnership aggregate in the history of the game — men’s or women’s. The only pair ahead? Tendulkar and Ganguly (1635 runs in 1998).
Mandhana’s Mental Strength and Focus
Behind every run is a story of focus. Mandhana’s ability to stay mentally grounded amid pressure is perhaps her most underrated skill. In interviews, she often credits meditation and visualization as her tools to remain calm under fire.
She once said,
“You can’t control the crowd, the pitch, or the bowlers. But you can control your breathing.”
Leadership Beyond the Bat
As India’s vice-captain, Mandhana leads not just with words but with actions. Younger players often mention how she takes time to mentor them, breaking down complex strategies into simple insights. Her leadership style is inclusive — a reflection of her personality.
Global Recognition and Influence
From ICC honors to brand endorsements, Smriti Mandhana’s influence transcends cricket. She’s been featured in Forbes’ Top 30 Under 30 Asia and continues to serve as an icon for gender equality in sports. Her fan base stretches from India to Australia, England, and beyond.
Style Meets Substance
Cricket has seen powerful hitters and technical masters, but few combine elegance with impact like Mandhana. Her cover drives are as beautiful as they are brutal. She’s the rare player whose technique earns applause from purists while her power thrills the masses.
Impact on Women’s Cricket in India
Smriti Mandhana has become a catalyst for change. Her consistency and charisma have inspired increased viewership, better sponsorship deals, and new opportunities for young women cricketers. Stadiums now fill up for India’s women’s matches — a transformation she helped pioneer.
How Smriti Mandhana Changed the Narrative?
Before Mandhana, Indian women’s cricket often lived in the shadows. After her, it shines in the spotlight. Her success has shifted the narrative — from participation to domination, from representation to inspiration.
Lessons from Smriti Mandhana’s Journey
What can young athletes learn from Smriti Mandhana?
- Stay grounded even at the top.
- Consistency is built, not born.
- Pressure is a privilege.
Her journey is proof that humility and hunger can coexist.
FAQs
Q1: How many centuries does Smriti Mandhana have in ODIs?
A: She currently has 14 ODI centuries, with nine scored between 2024–2025 alone.
Q2: Has Smriti Mandhana scored centuries in all formats?
A: Yes. She’s among the few players to achieve centuries in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Q3: What is Smriti Mandhana’s highest ODI score?
A: Her highest ODI score stands at 136 runs.
Q4: Against which team does Smriti Mandhana have the best record?
A: She boasts an exceptional record against Australia, averaging over 60 with multiple centuries.
Q5: How old is Smriti Mandhana?
A: She turned 28 in 2024 and is currently in her prime years.
Q6: What makes Smriti Mandhana’s batting style unique?
A: Her ability to blend timing, placement, and power gives her a natural elegance that few possess.
Conclusion
Smriti Mandhana isn’t just a cricketer — she’s a movement. With every inning, she’s redefining what’s possible for women in sports, both in India and globally. Her story is one of perseverance, precision, and passion — a reminder that true greatness isn’t about records alone but about the legacy you leave behind.
As she continues her journey, one thing is certain — Smriti Mandhana has indeed redefined the peak of perfection.
