Smriti Mandhana is India’s batting superstar, celebrated for her stylish centuries, inspiring cricket journey, and most recently, her high-profile marriage with music composer Palash Muchhal in November 2025. At age 29, she leads as a modern icon of women’s sports, breaking records and glass ceilings.
Early Life and Childhood: Roots of a Cricketing Star
Born July 18, 1996, in Rajkot, Smriti was raised in Sangli, Maharashtra, in a Marathi family focused on education and sport. Encouraged by her father and brother, she joined cricket academies early, idolized Sachin Tendulkar, and rapidly developed her graceful left-handed style.
Trending Now: Marriage, Relationship & Personal Life
Smriti Mandhana married Bollywood music composer Palash Muchhal in November 2025 in Sangli. Palash is known for his musical hits and his philanthropy alongside sister Palak Muchhal. Their relationship has been widely celebrated on social media and sports news, trending high in Google searches.
International Debut and Breakthrough
Debuted in ODIs at age 16 against South Africa (April 10, 2013); T20Is the same year. In the 2017 World Cup, she scored match-winning knocks—becoming a reliable, dynamic opener for India. Her performance was instrumental in making women's cricket mainstream.
Match Insights: Century Stats, Records & Jersey Number
- Highest-ever runs by an Indian in Women's ODI World Cup: 434 in 9 innings (high score: 109 in 2025)[web:77][web:85]
- Second-most ODI centuries for India: 14 ODI hundreds, 17 international hundreds[web:81].
- Jersey number: 18 (SM18), worn in all formats[web:86].
- Notable knock: 90 against Australia in 2018, and record-breaking T20I century in 2025.
- Current age: 29 years (as of November 2025).
WPL Salary, Net Worth & Earnings
Smriti Mandhana is the highest-paid player in the Women's Premier League, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru signing her for ₹3.4 crore per season. She also receives ₹50 lakh per annum from BCCI and match fees. Her net worth is estimated at ₹34 crore, with earnings from endorsements, salary, and prize money.
Playing Style and Strengths
Known for her fluent left-handed batting, Mandhana combines elegance and power, thriving on both pace and spin. She leads by example, plays both aggressively and with control, and is hailed for her ability to deliver under pressure.
Beyond Cricket: Inspiration & Social Impact
Smriti Mandhana is not just a cricketer, but a role model for youth—advocating for gender equality and inspiring a new generation to take up sports. Her leadership in the Women’s Premier League and visibility in endorsements have brought women’s cricket to the fore in India.
Final Thoughts: The Journey Continues
SEO Block: Keywords & Meta Description
Meta Description: Explore Smriti Mandhana’s inspiring journey: childhood, debut, records, centuries, salary, marriage, and jersey number. Latest facts about India’s women’s cricket icon for trending 2025 searches.