Smriti Mandhana’s Golden Run in 2025: Indian women’s cricket has witnessed several iconic moments over the years, but the 2025 season has belonged unmistakably to Smriti Mandhana. With an extraordinary run tally and match-winning performances across formats, she has emerged as the backbone of India’s batting unit. Her consistency, elegance, and hunger for big scores have not only powered team victories but also placed her on the brink of rewriting long-standing records in international cricket.
The calendar year of 2025 has been exceptional for Mandhana in every sense. Accumulating 1703 runs across all international formats, she has registered the highest number of runs by any woman cricketer in a single year. This feat highlights her adaptability, as these runs have come in Tests, One Day Internationals, and T20 Internationals under varying conditions and against diverse bowling attacks. With one final T20I still to be played, she stands just 62 runs short of surpassing the annual run tally achieved by India’s current men’s ODI and Test captain, Shubman Gill.
One of the defining aspects of Mandhana’s success this season has been her reliability at the top of the order. Match after match, she has provided India with solid starts, allowing the middle order to play with freedom. Her ability to balance patience with aggression has been crucial, especially in pressure situations. Whether facing the new ball in challenging conditions or accelerating during the middle overs, she has displayed remarkable composure and game awareness.
Mandhana’s form has played a significant role in India Women’s dominance throughout the season. The team’s batting unit has looked far more assured, with Mandhana often setting the tone early in the innings. Her presence has brought stability and confidence, qualities that have translated into consistent team performances. India’s recent series showcased this dominance, as the hosts secured an unassailable lead and aimed to complete a comprehensive clean sweep with a 5-0 result.
Another landmark achievement in Mandhana’s illustrious career came when she crossed the 10,000-run mark in international cricket. She became only the fourth woman batter globally to reach this milestone and just the second from India. This achievement places her in an elite group and reflects her longevity and sustained excellence at the highest level. In Test cricket specifically, her numbers are equally impressive, with 629 runs from seven matches at a remarkable average of over 57, including multiple centuries and half-centuries.
One of the standout performances of the year came in a women’s T20 International where Mandhana played a breathtaking knock of 80 runs from just 48 deliveries. Her innings, laced with crisp boundaries and powerful shots over the ropes, propelled India to their highest-ever team total in women’s T20I cricket. The commanding total proved too much for the opposition, as India defended it successfully to secure a comfortable 30-run victory and extend their unbeaten run in the series.
Beyond statistics, Mandhana’s influence extends to her role as a senior figure in the dressing room. Her professionalism, work ethic, and calm demeanor have inspired younger players to raise their standards. Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, the team has flourished, and Mandhana’s contributions with the bat have been central to this success.
As the final match of the year approaches, anticipation surrounds whether Mandhana will etch her name even deeper into cricketing history by breaking yet another record. Regardless of what unfolds, her 2025 season will be remembered as one of the most prolific and impactful years by a batter in women’s cricket. It stands as a testament to skill, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
