Smriti Mandhana, Indian cricket sensation has reached the No. 1 spot at ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings for the first time since November 2019. After a long wait of more than six years, Smriti Mandhana returns to the top of women’s cricket. Smriti based on her brilliant innings of century in the final of the recently concluded tri-series in Colombo, against Sri Lanka and South Africa, her 11th ODI century, and her form she displayed this year in each series returned her back to the top. Mandhana is now on 727 rating points, with England’s Natalie Sciver-Brunt and South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt tied on 719 rating points.
Mandhana’s Journey: From Prospect to Peak
Smriti Mandhana, the 28-year-old Indian vice-captain, has been widely respected as one of the smoother batters and most technically proficient players in women’s cricket. Mandhana scored her 4,473 ODI runs (which is presently 10th on the all-time list) since her debut and is one of only four women to have scored at least 10 ODI centuries. Mandhana’s 2024 season was incredible; she scored 747 runs in only 13 innings (the highest runs she amassed in a calendar year) and was named ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year. Given soon after this award, her performance since the award highlights her strength and dominance.
Statistical Comparison: Mandhana vs. Top ODI Batters
| Rank | Player | Rating Points | Recent Form (Tri-series/other) |
| 1. | Smriti Mandhana (IND) | 727 | 264 runs, 52.80 avg, 90.41 SR (2025) |
| 2. | Natalie Sciver-Brunt (ENG) | 719 | Consistent, key all-rounder |
| 3. | Laura Wolvaardt (SA) | 719 | 27 & 28 in last two ODIs vs WI |
Impact on Women’s Cricket
Mandhana’s restoration to No. 1 indicates only her continued excellence and it is an important occasion for women’s cricket in India. Her popularity and excellence motivate young girls across India and represent the increasing profile of women’s cricket around the world. It is only enhanced by India and England preparing to play a high-profile series later this month – 5 T20Is and 3 ODIs. It puts a spotlight on women’s cricket, which promises exciting contests and increased levels of engagement.
The Larger Context
Mandhana’s growth is not just an individual success, but a sign of the larger growth in women’s cricket. Women’s cricket is seeing increasing investments, media attention and interest from fans with Mandhana, Sciver-Brunt and Wolvaardt driving the change. The rankings show just how competitive it is, with the top three teams separated by only eight points, demonstrating the level of quality and competition at the elite level.
Conclusion
Smriti Mandhana as the current holder of the No. 1 ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings is a historic achievement and enjoyed by not just Indian people but also the cricketing world. The trajectory of Smriti Mandhana’s rise came with consistency from her and grace along with the passion to be the absolute best version of herself.
The rise of women’s cricket continues to be exhibited as having no roof and the rise of Smriti Mandhana proves to be a great example of what is possible through commitment and hard work. We have a big year approaching with a lot of series and the World Cup, So Smriti Mandhana will be expected to keep leading the way and inspiring everyone who wants to aspire to her journey.
Smriti Mandhana as currently holding the Number 1 ICC ODI ranking is a story of perseverance, skill and aspiration and opportunity. If you consider her stats, her peers and the significance of this instance, there is a sense that this is a historic moment in the history of sports.
Written By Smita Singh
