Smriti Mandhana

Smriti Mandhana, born on July 18, 1996, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is an Indian cricketer renowned for her left-handed batting and right-arm medium bowling. Her family moved to Madhavnagar, Sangli, Maharashtra, where she completed her schooling. Inspired by her father and brother, both of whom played cricket at the district level, Smriti developed a passion for the sport early on. By the age of nine, she was selected for Maharashtra's Under-15 team, and by eleven, she had progressed to the Under-19 team.

Smriti made her international debut in 2013, playing both her first One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) against Bangladesh. She earned her Test cap the following year against England. Over the years, she has become a pivotal player for the Indian women's cricket team, known for her aggressive batting style and consistency.

Throughout her career, Smriti has achieved numerous accolades. In 2018, she was honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award and was named the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year. She also received the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Award. In 2021, she was again recognized as the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year. In January 2025, she was named the ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024.

In domestic cricket, Smriti has played for various teams, including Maharashtra, Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes, Western Storm, Trailblazers, Southern Brave, Sydney Thunder, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Adelaide Strikers. Her contributions have been instrumental in popularizing women's cricket in India, and she continues to inspire many with her performances on the field.