Smriti Mandhana: The Rising Star of Women’s Cricket
Role: Batter
DOB: July 18, 1996
IPL Team (2026): Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Base Price: INR 3.4 Crore (2023 Auction)
IPL CAREER STATISTICS (Updated April 2026)
Batting & Fielding
| Year | Mat | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 36 | 36 | 1 | 1049 | 90 | 29.13 | 778 | 134.83 | 0 | 8 | 148 | 33 | 15 |
| 2026 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 320 | 90 | 35.55 | 220 | 145.45 | 0 | 3 | 45 | 12 | 4 |
| 2025 | 9 | 9 | 1 | 280 | 75 | 35.00 | 200 | 140.00 | 0 | 3 | 38 | 8 | 3 |
| 2024 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 300 | 80 | 30.00 | 219 | 137.00 | 0 | 2 | 43 | 10 | 4 |
| 2023 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 149 | 37 | 18.62 | 139 | 107.19 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 3 | 4 |
Bowling
| Year | Mat | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
The Story of Smriti Mandhana: The Rising Star of Women’s Cricket
From the dusty grounds of Sangli, Maharashtra, a left-handed maestro emerged, destined to redefine elegance and aggression in women’s cricket. Smriti Mandhana, born on July 18, 1996, didn’t just pick up a bat; she wielded it like a painter’s brush, creating masterpieces with every cover drive and pull shot. Her journey began by watching her brother play, mimicking his style, and unknowingly perfecting the art that would make her a global sensation. Her natural flair and timing quickly set her apart, earning her a spot in state teams at a remarkably young age.
Mandhana’s entry into the Women’s Premier League (WPL) was nothing short of historic. In the inaugural 2023 auction, she became the most expensive player, fetching a staggering INR 3.4 Crore from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). This monumental investment underscored her status as a marquee player and a potential captaincy candidate. While the 2023 season presented a steep learning curve for both Mandhana and RCB, her resilience and leadership qualities shone through, laying the groundwork for future success.
Her breakthrough moment in the WPL arrived with a bang in the 2024 season. Leading RCB from the front, Mandhana transformed her individual form and galvanized her team. Her captaincy matured, and her bat spoke volumes, delivering crucial innings that propelled RCB to their maiden WPL title. The image of her lifting the trophy, a beaming smile illuminating her face, cemented her legacy as a true leader and a clutch performer. Her playing style is a delightful blend of classical technique and modern power-hitting. Known for her exquisite timing, Mandhana’s cover drives are a sight to behold, often compared to the best in the game. She possesses the ability to find gaps with surgical precision and clear boundaries with effortless ease, making her a nightmare for opposition bowlers in the powerplay and beyond.
IPL Journey: Team by Team
Smriti Mandhana’s WPL journey has, so far, been synonymous with the Royal Challengers Bangalore. She was the crown jewel of the 2023 WPL auction, becoming the most expensive player at INR 3.4 Crore, a testament to her global appeal and batting prowess. Handed the captaincy for the inaugural season, Mandhana faced a challenging start, both personally and as a leader. In 2023, she scored 149 runs from 8 innings at an average of 18.62, and RCB finished fourth, failing to qualify for the playoffs. This initial struggle, however, proved to be a crucible for her leadership and batting.
The 2024 season saw a remarkable turnaround. Retained by RCB, Mandhana continued as captain and led from the front with the bat. She amassed 300 runs in 10 innings at an improved average of 30.00 and a striking strike rate of 137.00, including two crucial half-centuries. Her leadership was instrumental in guiding RCB through a competitive league stage and ultimately to their historic WPL title victory. Her performances in the Eliminator and Final were particularly impactful, showcasing her ability to perform under immense pressure. By 2026, she remains a cornerstone of the RCB franchise, a consistent performer and an inspirational leader, having guided them to another strong season with 320 runs, further cementing her legacy.
What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective
From a betting perspective, Smriti Mandhana is a high-value asset, especially after her WPL 2024 resurgence. Her primary strength lies in her ability to dominate the powerplay. She’s an aggressive opener who looks to score quickly, making her an excellent bet for “Most Fours” or “Over X.5 Runs in Powerplay” props. Her elegant strokeplay means she often clears the infield with ease, translating into consistent boundary hitting. Mandhana thrives on good batting pitches with short boundaries, where her timing and power can be fully unleashed. Look for her to excel in matches played at grounds known for being batter-friendly.
While generally consistent, Mandhana can occasionally be vulnerable against quality spin, particularly off-spinners or leg-spinners who can vary their pace and trajectory early in her innings. Bettors should consider this when she’s facing a spin-heavy attack or a bowler with a strong record against left-handers. However, her improved consistency from 2024 onwards makes her a more reliable bet for “Top Team Batter” or “Over X.5 Total Runs” markets. Bet on Mandhana when RCB bats first on a flat track, or when they are chasing a moderate total, allowing her to play with freedom. Her leadership also makes her a big-match player, often stepping up in crucial encounters, making her a good punt for high-stakes games.
Key Records & Milestones
- Most expensive player in the inaugural WPL auction (INR 3.4 Crore by RCB in 2023).
- First captain to lead Royal Challengers Bangalore to a WPL title (2024).
- One of the leading run-scorers in WPL history, surpassing 1000 career runs by 2026.
- Holds the record for most 50+ scores by an RCB batter in WPL history (8 by 2026).
- Reached her highest WPL score of 90 in the 2026 season.
IPL Season Highlights
The 2024 WPL season stands out as Smriti Mandhana’s crowning glory. After a challenging 2023, she led RCB to their maiden title, scoring 300 runs with two vital fifties. Her 80 off 50 balls against UP Warriorz was a masterclass in aggressive batting, setting the tone for RCB’s campaign. She followed this with a crucial 57 in the Eliminator against Mumbai Indians, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure and guide her team into the final.
The 2025 season saw Mandhana continue her strong form, amassing 280 runs with three half-centuries. A particular highlight was her 75 off 48 balls against Delhi Capitals, a knock that single-handedly steered RCB to a thrilling victory in a high-scoring encounter. She demonstrated increased maturity in her game, anchoring innings while maintaining a high strike rate.
By the 2026 WPL season, Mandhana had firmly established herself as one of the league’s premier batters. She enjoyed her most prolific season yet, scoring 320 runs, including her highest WPL score of 90. Her innings of 90 off just 55 balls against Gujarat Giants, featuring an array of exquisite boundaries and powerful sixes, was a testament to her evolving game and cemented her status as a true superstar of women’s cricket.