Smriti Mandhana: From Sangli Streets to Cricket Stardom, The Making of India’s Batting Superstar

Born in Mumbai in July 1996, Smriti Mandhana grew up in Madhavnagar, Sangli. She attended local schools and Chintaman Rao College of Commerce. Influenced by her father and brother, both local cricketers, she developed an early interest in cricket, observing her brother compete before realising she could pursue it seriously herself.

By age nine, Mandhana joined Maharashtra’s under-15 team, and at eleven, she progressed to the under-19 side. Her rise was through local coaching and persistent practice, often training before and after school. This early dedication laid the foundation for her professional cricket career. (PHOTO CREDIT: Times Content)

At sixteen, Mandhana scored an unbeaten 224 in a domestic under-19 match, becoming the first Indian woman to hit a List A double century. This extraordinary feat marked her as a player of promise and set her on the path to international cricket while continuing her academic studies. (PHOTO CREDIT: Times Content)

Mandhana debuted for India in 2013 in WODI and WT20I formats at just seventeen. She made her Test debut in 2014, scoring 22 and 51 against England. These early experiences built her reputation as a talented young batter ready to take on global challenges.

During India’s 2016 Australia tour, Mandhana scored her first international century. She was named in ICC’s Women’s Team of the Year. Her career from this point expanded with new leagues and formats, balancing professional cricket with continued academic growth, showing her discipline and consistent skill development. (PHOTO CREDIT: Times Content)

In early 2017, Mandhana suffered an ACL injury, sidelining her for five months. The rehabilitation process strengthened her understanding of training and planning. Upon returning for the 2017 Women’s World Cup, she scored a century in the group stage, demonstrating resilience and the value of preparation during setbacks. (PHOTO CREDIT: Times Content)

From 2016 onwards, Mandhana played in leagues such as the Big Bash, The Hundred, and Women’s Cricket Super League. She also led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a Women’s Premier League title, becoming the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three international formats. (PHOTO CREDIT: Times Content)

Mandhana holds records including the fastest 4,000 WODI runs by an Indian and the fastest ODI century for India. She is one of the most prolific batters in women’s cricket, demonstrating a career built on consistent performance, skill enhancement, and adapting to multiple formats at domestic and international levels. (PHOTO CREDIT: Times Content)

By her mid-twenties, Mandhana captained India in T20Is and vice-captained during India’s 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup win. Scoring her 14th WODI century, she equalled Meg Lanning’s record for international centuries. Her journey reflects leadership, resilience, and the culmination of years of disciplined practice. (PHOTO CREDIT: Times Content)

Mandhana’s path shows young athletes that academic and sports excellence can coexist. Her story from Sangli schoolgrounds to international stardom teaches that talent, structured routines, and perseverance define long-term success. With 9,500+ international runs and ongoing achievements, her professional journey continues to inspire. (PHOTO CREDIT: Times Content)