Indian cricket has a new queen at the top. Smriti Mandhana, long hailed as one of the finest stroke-makers in women’s cricket, has officially risen to the No.1 spot in the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings. The latest update, released following India’s recent ODI series, marks a historic achievement for Mandhana, who has now cemented her place as the best 50-over batter in the world.
Mandhana’s ascent to the summit is the culmination of years of consistency, elegance, and hunger to dominate across conditions. The left-hander has been a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup since her teenage years, and her latest climb is not just a personal milestone—it’s a moment of pride for Indian women’s cricket. Having previously hovered around the top five for several years, this new rank confirms what fans and analysts have long believed: she is the premier batter in the women’s ODI format.
Her recent performances have played a crucial role in this rise. In the recently concluded series, Mandhana was in sublime form, racking up runs with trademark fluency. She scored a pair of fifties and a century, showing her ability to construct innings, rotate strike, and accelerate when needed. Her shot-making, particularly through the off-side, was impeccable, drawing praise from commentators around the world. In each innings, she looked in control, balancing aggression with composure.
What sets Mandhana apart is not just her technique but her temperament. She brings a calm assurance to the crease, often anchoring India’s innings and guiding younger players along the way. Despite being a naturally aggressive batter, she rarely looks rushed, playing with a maturity that belies her age. Over the past year, she has also added new dimensions to her game, working on her strike rotation and handling spin more effectively, making her even more formidable.
The recognition from the ICC is more than symbolic. It reflects a changing dynamic in the women’s game, where Indian players are consistently challenging the traditional dominance of teams like Australia, England, and New Zealand. Mandhana’s rise to No.1 mirrors the broader growth of women’s cricket in India, where increased investment, visibility, and professional leagues like the Women’s Premier League have helped unearth and nurture world-class talent.
Mandhana now joins an elite club of Indian cricketers who have held the top spot in ICC rankings. In the women’s game, only Mithali Raj had previously achieved a similar feat in ODIs. Following in those footsteps, Mandhana has not only lived up to the expectations that followed her since her debut but has gone beyond them to create her own legacy.
Her journey from a young girl inspired by her brother’s cricketing dreams in Sangli, Maharashtra, to the top of the world in international cricket, is both remarkable and inspiring. At just 28, Mandhana still has many years ahead of her. And with India preparing for major tournaments, including the ICC Women’s World Cup and bilateral series, her form will be vital to the team’s ambitions.
As the world celebrates a new No.1, Mandhana remains focused, grounded, and hungry. For Indian cricket, her achievement is a landmark. For fans, it’s a joy. And for aspiring cricketers across the world, it’s proof that elegance, discipline, and hard work do lead to the very top.
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