Smriti Mandhana Soars to Career-Best No. 1 Spot in Women’s ODI Rankings

India’s star opening batsman Smriti Mandhana has once again underlined her authority in the global cricket fraternity, moving ahead of all of the world’s women by securing an ICC Women’s ODI batting ranking of No. 1 with her career-best 828 points. The stylish left-hander has been in magnificent form throughout the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, churning out match-winning performances which have served to further underline her claim as one of the world’s most reliable and stylistic batters. Her superb century against New Zealand and her undefeated 34 not out versus Bangladesh are classic examples of how she was able to set the tempo for an innings, switch gears according to different match situations and take on bowlers with an almost effortless grace. This latest achievement has extended Mandhana’s advantage over second-placed Ashleigh Gardner of Australia, stretching her lead to close on 100 points and providing further evidence of the standard she has maintained in 50-over cricket. From a young girl with a dream in Sangli, Maharashtra, to the best batter in world cricket – Mandhana’s story is one of hard work, determination and passion. Since her debut in 2013, Mandhana has grown into the mainstay of India’s batting line-up, mingling technical precision with natural flair. Her trademark cover drives, delicate touches and the ability to pick off her opponents’ gaps at will make her one of the most attractive players in world cricket. But it is apart from the statistics that her poise on field and her captaincy by example make those people who enjoy playing cricket in India━especially female playersーlook up to her as their ideal.

Cheered along by Ekta Bisht(Mandhana have captured the simmering epidemic in format at its peak.However,he plate half-full) Whether she is sent out to chase a daunting global total or to fix another entry in the record books on her own. She forms the central pivot of all things Indian batting. This woman has given solid foundations to India right from the start in just a dozen matches with young opener Shafali Verma on offer. It allows the middle batsmen to play more themselves. EXPORTS also say the combination of aggressive technique with patience is what makes him an opponent not to be underestimated. Her play style is more exquisite and intelligent than her former India coach WV Raman called her. And in the words of Meg Lanning, an Australian great “the most exciting left-hander today in women’s cricket globally.” These accolades are not only a testimonial to her ability, but a testimony of the universal esteem she enjoys. As for her contributions in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), they have been equally invaluable for women’s cricket in India itself–both in terms of subsequent popularity as well as style of play. As leader, she has shown temperate leadership: and so tactical brilliantly managed RCB Women carefully through to their first EVER WPL final earlier this year. And her work OFF the field–encouraging young players, pushing women’s cricket forward, acting as a good model for younger athletes: all have combined to make her one of India’s most important sports personalities ever.

Mandhana, amid the fierce competition of international cricket. This is what makes her achievement even more striking: on tracks quick and seaming in England; bouncy surfaces that had been the ruin of Australians but were home to her, as it were, for Australians’ bowling was pitch-perfect and delivery pure; or at India’s spin-friendly wicket when nothing much fell into place thanks for how all will reply Cunning spin artist! And she remains hungry for improvement. Even by her high standards her game can now only be sharper if it is in perfect balance throughout every second of play. Just 29, Mandhana has yet to reach the peak of her sporting career. She is a long way from finishing with records at such current form. For India, her success is not only an individual triumph but a symbol of the nation’s growing strength in women’s cricket also. In an era of global attention to women’s cricket, Smriti Mandhana stands out as the brightest star. She has redefined what it means to be excellent, inspired a generation of players and shown that elegance led by great power can fit hand in glove. All of this is not just about reaching the top of rankings; Mandhana’s journey affirms to all that being the best in the world must measure up against a new standard, or counted out on points comes as little pleasure – we will all back less than winners only when there are none else to put bets on.