Smriti Mandhana - A Lifestory
The Powerhouse Opener Driving India’s Cricketing Future
Smriti Mandhana is an Indian cricketer known for her aggressive batting and her significant contributions to women's cricket. Raised in Sangli, Maharashtra, she was inspired by her cricketing family, especially her brother, Shravan, who played at the district level. She gained attention at 17 by becoming the first Indian woman to score a double century in an Under-19 one-day match, hitting 224* for Maharashtra in 2013. Her international debut followed that same year. Despite a serious knee injury in 2017, which threatened her career, Smriti made a strong comeback and was instrumental in India's 2017 ICC Women's World Cup campaign. She was named ICC Women's Cricketer and ODI Player of the Year in 2018, earning global recognition. Smriti's dedication, balancing academics with cricket during her youth, and her post-match love for food, such as burgers, reflect her grounded nature. She continues to inspire young cricketers with her consistent performances and leadership across formats and leagues like WBBL and The Hundred.
