As Smriti Mandhana celebrates her 29th birthday today, Indian cricket reflects on the extraordinary journey of one of its finest modern-day batters. Widely regarded as the face of Indian women’s cricket, Mandhana stands tall not just in terms of numbers but also in the way she has redefined the art of opening in the shortest format. With 3,982 runs in Women’s T20 Internationals, she is India’s all-time leading run-scorer in the format, and her dominance extends well beyond national borders.
In 153 T20I appearances so far, Mandhana has combined elegance with power, scoring one century and over 30 half-centuries. Her strike rate hovers around 124, with an average just under 30 — an impressive blend of consistency and aggression. Her performances have been especially valuable in powerplay situations, where she often sets the tone with clean timing and positive intent. Recently, she added a new milestone to her glittering career by scoring her maiden T20I century, a blistering 112 against England at Trent Bridge — a knock hailed as one of the finest by an Indian woman in the format.
2024 proved to be a landmark year for Mandhana. She broke the record for most T20I runs in a calendar year, amassing 763 runs — a global benchmark in women’s cricket. That stellar season included eight half-centuries and reaffirmed her place among the top three T20I batters in the world. Her ability to rise to the occasion in key matches has made her a go-to player for India in crunch situations.
Off the field, Mandhana’s reputation is just as formidable. She has been a trailblazer in franchise cricket, making a name for herself across global leagues. In the Women’s Premier League (WPL), she captains Royal Challengers Bangalore and led them to their first title in 2024. Her leadership, poise, and match-winning ability played a vital role in that campaign. She remains the most expensive player in WPL history, a reflection of her immense value and stature.
Mandhana’s overseas exploits include successful stints in England’s now-defunct Kia Super League, The Hundred, and Australia’s Big Bash League. In 2018, she was the top scorer in the KSL for Western Storm and was named Player of the Tournament. Her flair and adaptability have made her a sought-after name wherever she plays.
Awards and accolades have followed naturally. She has twice been named the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year and has earned spots in multiple ICC T20I Teams of the Year. Recognized by Wisden as the Leading Woman Cricketer in the World in 2019 and 2025, Mandhana’s influence stretches beyond stats — she has changed how women’s cricket is viewed in India.
At 29, Smriti Mandhana is still very much in her prime. With another T20 World Cup on the horizon and several domestic and international tournaments lined up, she continues to carry the hopes of millions. Elegant, fearless, and fiercely consistent, Mandhana isn’t just India’s top T20I run-scorer — she’s the heartbeat of a cricketing revolution.