Smriti Mandhana reaps reward for class and consistency

By Admin

30 Dec, 2025

Smriti Mandhana has long been the backbone of the Indian women’s cricket team, but 2025 has elevated her stature from a dependable run-scorer to a true symbol of consistency and leadership. As India etched its name in history by winning the ODI World Cup, the team also unlocked a renewed hunger to dominate across formats. At the centre of this transformation stands Mandhana, whose class with the bat continues to inspire an entire generation.

A milestone built on repeatability
Smriti crossed the landmark of 10,000 international runs while scoring a match-winning 80 in the fourth T20I against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram. This achievement is not just about longevity but about maintaining standards year after year. She became the fastest and youngest woman to reach the milestone and only the fourth overall, alongside legends like Mithali Raj, Charlotte Edwards and Suzie Bates. With 17 international centuries, 1,703 runs in 2025, and a record 434 runs in a single ODI Women’s World Cup by an Indian, her numbers underline a remarkable year.

Beyond statistics, a cultural shift
While the numbers are staggering, Smriti’s true impact lies beyond statistics. Her reliability has raised the bar within the dressing room. Teammates no longer see standout performances as rare events but as expectations. Ahead of the World Cup, she dismissed the idea that the team depended solely on her, pointing out centuries from Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal and Harmanpreet Kaur. During the tournament, when she had quiet games, others stepped up, reflecting a growing culture of shared responsibility.

Starting from zero, every time
Smriti’s longevity stems from her mindset. She believes every innings starts afresh, irrespective of past success. According to her, the scoreboard always begins at zero, and previous performances do not guarantee future runs. This philosophy keeps her grounded and hungry. After India’s defeat to England in the World Cup, she openly took responsibility for not finishing the game, showcasing accountability that defines her leadership.

Consistency over perfection
Mandhana admits she is toughest on herself in ODIs and Tests, formats where time allows batters to build innings. She believes not every day will end in victory, but handling both success and failure is key. Transitioning between formats has not always been smooth. After months of ODIs, adapting to T20 cricket required mental recalibration, and early struggles in the series reflected that. Yet, her ability to bounce back, highlighted by a fluent 48-ball 80, reinforces why she is never counted out.

Elevating those around her
Smriti’s partnerships tell a story of mentorship and camaraderie. Her record 162-run stand with Shafali Verma in T20Is and consistent big partnerships with Pratika Rawal in ODIs show how her presence brings out the best in others. Rawal’s 976 ODI runs in 2025, third-most in a calendar year, underline this ripple effect. As vice-captain, Smriti remains cautious against complacency, reminding the team that success is part of a continuous work in progress.

An inspiration in action
Richa Ghosh’s words sum it up best: there is so much to learn from Smriti Mandhana. Her grind, discipline and refusal to settle urge teammates to push their boundaries. In an era where Indian women’s cricket is building reliability alongside talent, Smriti Mandhana’s class and consistency are not just being rewarded with milestones, but with a lasting legacy that is reshaping the team’s future.