Smriti Mandhana: A Trailblazer In Women’s Cricket, Leaving An Indelible Mark
Delhi, 4th August 2023: Smriti Mandhana, the brilliant opener from India, has left an indelible impression on the world of women’s cricket, showcasing unmatched talent and exceptional skills. A true gem for Team India, she has played pivotal roles in crucial games, consistently displaying her prowess on the field. Her illustrious career spans across formats, etching her name firmly in the annals of cricket history.
The 2017 ICC World Cup witnessed Smriti’s batting brilliance, guiding India to the finals with her remarkable innings. Recognizing her outstanding performances, she was honoured as the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year in 2021, marking her second time winning this prestigious award. Additionally, she triumphed in the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy, adding another illustrious feather to her cap.
Among her extraordinary accomplishments, Smriti stands shoulder to shoulder with the veteran cricketer Jhulan Goswami, as they are the only two players to have received an annual ICC award on multiple occasions. Her exceptional talent and consistent performances have rightly earned her this distinguished recognition. Furthermore, she was also nominated for the Women’s T20I Player of the Year in 2021, underscoring her continuous impact on the field.
Born on 18th July 1996 into a Marwari family in Mumbai, Smriti Mandhana’s cricketing journey began under the influence of her brother Shravan Mandhana, who played the sport at the Maharashtra state Under-16 tournaments. With her father being a district-level player, cricket truly ran in the family’s veins. Remarkably, she was selected for Maharashtra’s Under-15 team at the tender age of nine, and by eleven, she secured a spot in the state’s Under-19 team.
Smriti’s potential was evident from a young age, and she quickly made headlines by scoring a double century in one-day cricket during the West Zone Under-19 tournament, becoming the first female cricketer to achieve this feat. Her international debut for India came in 2013, making appearances in both T20I and ODI formats against Bangladesh. Her versatility across all formats came to the forefront in 2014 when she made her debut in Test cricket against England.
In recognition of her unwaveringly impressive displays on the field, Smriti was appointed as the captain of India’s Women T20I squad for the three-match series against England in February 2019. At just 22 years old, she became the youngest T20I captain for India, a clear testament to her exceptional leadership potential.
