Who Is Smriti Mandhana? Early Life, Career, Records, and Net Worth of India’s Women’s Cricket Star

As India gears up to host the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, we take a look at the life of one of its leading faces – Vice Captain of the Indian National Women’s Cricket Team, Smriti Mandhana. She is talked about frequently whenever Indian women’s cricket is being discussed.

This is not just for her batting skills but also for the way she represents the changing face of women’s sports in India. At just 29, she is paving the way for a generation of young girls to pick up the bat and dream big.

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We explore her life and career in more detail. 

Who is Smriti Mandhana? Early Life and Inroads Into Cricket

Hailing from a small town, Sangli, Maharashtra, Smriti grew up in a cricket-loving family. Her family also played the sport, and it was her brother’s training session during her childhood, that introduced her to the game.

By the age of nine, she was already practicing seriously, and by 11, she was playing for Maharashtra’s Under-15 team.

Her natural left-handed stroke play quickly drew attention, and she slowly entered the realms of bigger cricket matches. In 2013, at just 16 years of age, she made her international debut for India against Bangladesh, becoming one of the youngest players to wear the Indian jersey.

 

 

 

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Her rise to fame happened during the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup in England. The centuries she made, against England and West Indies, set the tone for India’s memorable run to the final.

Smriti Mandhana’s Records and Achievements

At only 29, she has added several feathers to her cap. Some of her accolades include:

• First Indian woman to score a century in both ODIs and Tests in Australia.
• Part of India’s historic win against Australia in 2021, where she scored a maiden Test hundred.
• Winner of the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Award) twice, in 2018 and 2021.
• Vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across formats.

Smriti Mandhana’s Net Worth

Her net worth is estimated to be around ₹32–33 crore.

This is estimated to have been earned through a mix of Womens’ Premier League contracts, BCCI salary, match fees, and other endorsements she has taken up independently.

Beyond Cricket

Smriti’s achievements go beyond the field. She has been a strong advocate for better recognition and facilities for women cricketers in India. Her charisma and attitude have led her to be a leading face of women’s cricket, paving the way for many to think of pursuing the dream.

She symbolises more than the runs she scores on screen, as she inspires several more to think of their passion as a viable career.

Image courtesy: Instagram