Smriti Mandhana, the elegant left-handed opening batter from India, has had a sensational 2024, showcasing her prowess and solidifying her position as one of the premier batters in women’s cricket. Her performance throughout the year has been nothing short of spectacular. Let’s take a look at her remarkable achievements throughout 2024.
ODI Brilliance:
Mandhana’s year began with a bang in the ODI format. She scored a record-breaking four centuries in ODIs, becoming the first woman cricketer to achieve this feat in a single calendar year. Her consistent performances included a magnificent knock against Australia at the WACA, where she scored a century in a losing cause, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure. Her ODI tally for the year reached an impressive 1602 runs, making her the highest scorer in women’s ODIs for 2024.
T20I and Test Contributions:
In T20Is, Mandhana’s 2024 was equally remarkable, scoring 763 runs with an average of 42.4, including 8 fifties in 21 innings. She was the leading run-scorer in T20Is for the year, setting records for the most runs, fifties, and boundaries. Her ability to adapt to the shorter format was evident as she managed to maintain a strike rate of 126.4, proving her value in the team’s aggressive approach.
In Tests, although she played only one innings, she scored a significant 149, further adding to her reputation as a versatile player across all formats. She also crossed 500 Hundred runs.
WPL Success:
Leading Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Smriti Mandhana was instrumental in clinching the team’s first title in 2024. Her leadership was complemented by her batting ability, scoring 300 runs in 10 matches with a strike rate of 133.92, including two fifties. This turnaround from the previous season’s challenges was largely attributed to her strategic acumen and on-field performances.
Recognition and Snubs:
Despite her stellar year, Mandhana was controversially not shortlisted for the ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year, which sparked discussions across social media about the recognition of her achievements. However, she has been rightfully named a nominee for the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024, acknowledging her exceptional performances in the 50-over format. This nomination confirms her status among the elite in women’s cricket, even if there were some surprising omissions in other categories.
Current Rankings: Currently, Smriti holds the No. 2 position in both the ICC Women’s ODI and T20I batting rankings. Her consistent performances have seen her leapfrog several competitors to settle just behind Laura Wolvaardt in ODIs and Beth Mooney in T20Is, underlining her status as one of the world’s premier batters.
Looking Ahead to 2025
- Leadership Role: Having led RCB to a WPL title, there’s speculation about her taking on more significant leadership roles, possibly even captaining the national side in Harmanpreet Kaur’s absence. Her growth as a captain could see her influencing the team’s strategy and player development.
- Overcoming Challenges: One area of focus for Mandhana will be her performance against spin in T20Is, where she has shown some vulnerability. In 2024, Smriti was dismissed by spinners a total of 8 times across T20 International cricket. Improving this aspect could make her an even more formidable player across all conditions.
- WPL 2025: Defending the WPL title with RCB will be a challenge, but with her at the helm, the team looks well-positioned to continue their dominance. Her performance in the auction for 2025 will also be a point of interest, considering she was the highest-paid player in the inaugural auction.
Smriti Mandhana’s 2024 was a testament to her skill, resilience, and leadership. As she steps into 2025, with her current rankings affirming her status in the cricket world, the cricketing community eagerly awaits to see if she can maintain this trajectory, setting new standards and possibly leading India to international glory. Her story is not just one of individual success but also an inspiration for aspiring cricketers around the globe.
Follow her on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/smriti_mandhana/
