Smriti Mandhana and Palash Muchhal added a unique twist to their wedding celebrations by organising a friendly cricket match between “Team Bride” and “Team Groom.” What began as a light-hearted pre-wedding event quickly turned into a lively spectacle packed with laughter, competitiveness, and unmistakable cricketing flair — and fittingly, Team Bride walked away with the win.
Mandhana, one of India’s most recognisable cricketing faces, wasn’t short of star power on her side. Several Indian women’s team players — including Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Radha Yadav and Richa Ghosh — suited up for her team. Their presence transformed the match from a fun gathering into a genuine mini-contest, complete with proper field placements, pumped-up celebrations, and sharp cricketing skills being showcased for sheer enjoyment.
From the fragments that emerged online, the atmosphere was electric but carefree. Team Bride celebrated wickets with all the enthusiasm of an international fixture, while Team Groom, captained by Palash, embraced the challenge with good humour. What made the event particularly charming was the complete lack of formality: teammates joked around, posed for fun moments, and cheered loudly for every small highlight.
Mandhana herself seemed fully in her element — part competitor, part celebrant. She played, she laughed, she guided her team, and she enjoyed every second in a way that fans rarely get to see during professional tours. The chemistry among her teammates carried the match’s energy, creating a blend of sporting skill and festive glee.
Team Bride eventually clinched the win, but the match was far less about the result and far more about the celebration of connections. Mandhana’s cricketing world — the one she’s built through years of commitment and excellence — intersected seamlessly with her personal life. Her colleagues weren’t just attendees; they were participants, sharing the joy in a way that felt authentic and deeply personal. Palash’s participation showed his willingness to step into her world, even if it meant getting outplayed on the scoreboard.
Clips from the event spread widely across social media: Mandhana batting, teammates dancing, playful sledging, and moments of Mandhana and Palash smiling through the chaos. Fans didn’t just get glimpses of a wedding function — they witnessed a celebration infused with cricket’s spirit, where rituals took a back seat to camaraderie.
What stood out most was how naturally the game fit into the festivities. It wasn’t staged, nor did it feel like a publicity-driven gimmick. It carried the comfort and warmth of people doing something they love with the people they cherish. For Mandhana, cricket is a central pillar of life, and this match bridged that part of her identity with her new chapter.
In the end, Team Bride’s victory felt like the perfect finishing note to a delightful event. No pressure, no stakes — just a group of people celebrating love, friendship and the game that brought them together.
12BET Shortlisted for Sportsbook Operator of the Year at SBC Awards 2025