Smriti Mandhana, one of India’s brightest cricket stars, has climbed back to the No.1 position in the ICC Women’s ODI batting rankings. This is not the first time she has reached the top. For the fourth time in her career, Mandhana has shown the world that she is among the very best in women’s cricket.
A Strong Performance Against Australia
Mandhana’s rise back to No.1 came after her fine performance in the first One Day International match against Australia. Playing in front of a home crowd, she scored 58 runs from 63 balls. Her batting was full of confidence, with six boundaries and two powerful sixes.
Even though India could not win the match, her knock was one of the biggest highlights. This innings gave her enough ranking points to overtake England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt and move back to the top spot.
Journey to the Top
Mandhana first became the No.1 ODI batter in 2019. Since then, she has been in and out of the top position, depending on her form and competition from other players. In July 2025, she briefly lost the ranking but has now made a comeback.
Her journey shows her consistency and determination. To reach the top once is special, but to do it four times is proof of her class and ability.
What Makes Her Special
Smriti Mandhana is not just a stylish left-hand batter. She has many qualities that make her stand out:
- Consistency: She regularly scores runs in important matches.
- Aggression with Balance: She can attack the bowlers but also build her innings carefully.
- Leadership on the Field: Even when she is not captain, her attitude inspires the younger players.
- Experience at a Young Age: Still in her late 20s, she has already played international cricket for more than a decade.
Read More: Varun Chakaravarthy Becomes No.1 T20I Bowler for the First Time
Impact on Indian Cricket
Her return to No.1 gives Indian women’s cricket a huge boost. Here is why it matters:
- Confidence for the Team: When the top order is strong, the whole batting line-up feels secure.
- Motivation for Young Players: Many young cricketers look up to Mandhana as a role model.
- Hope for Big Tournaments: With the Women’s Cricket World Cup coming soon, her form will be a big advantage for India.
Other Players Who Shined
While Mandhana’s achievement took the spotlight, other Indian batters also made progress. Players like Harleen Deol and Pratika Rawal showed good form and climbed in the rankings as well. This shows that India’s batting depth is improving.
On the other side, some Australian players also improved their rankings with strong innings. This makes the upcoming matches even more exciting.
Looking Ahead
The road ahead is not easy. Staying at No.1 is harder than reaching it. Mandhana will have to continue her strong form in the next matches. The Australian series is still alive, and tougher contests are waiting in future tournaments.
But if her current performance is anything to go by, fans can expect more runs, more boundaries, and many more match-winning knocks from her.
Final Thoughts
Smriti Mandhana’s comeback as the world’s top ODI batter is a proud moment for India. It shows her hard work, skill, and ability to shine under pressure. For cricket fans, her success is not just about rankings but also about the joy she brings every time she plays.
Her story is a reminder that true champions always find a way to bounce back.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available cricket updates and is written for news and informational purposes only. Rankings and statistics may change with future matches
