Smriti Mandhana is one of the most prominent figures in women’s cricket today. Known for her elegant stroke play, aggressive batting, and composed demeanor on the field, she has established herself as a superstar for India in both domestic and international cricket. Like many players, her jersey number is not just a symbol of her identity, but also represents her journey and success. Smriti Mandhana wears jersey number 18, which has become iconic in the world of women’s cricket, particularly for Indian fans who follow her career closely.
In this article, we will explore the significance of jersey number 18, delve into Smriti Mandhana’s cricketing career, and look at her achievements that have made her a key figure in women’s cricket.
Smriti Mandhana’s Jersey Number: 18
Smriti Mandhana proudly wears the number 18 on her jersey. This number has become synonymous with her graceful batting style, leadership on and off the field, and the immense impact she has had on women’s cricket. The number 18 is not just a random choice; it carries meaning for Smriti, and many fans have come to associate it with her extraordinary talent and contributions to Indian cricket.
Why Number 18?
While Smriti Mandhana has not explicitly stated the reason for choosing the number 18, the number has personal significance for her. Often, players choose numbers based on lucky digits, or simply because they feel a connection to them. In Smriti’s case, 18 has been a constant throughout her international career, and it has come to represent her identity in the cricketing world.
Her choice of 18 could also be linked to her admiration for certain cricketing legends, or it may simply reflect her personal preferences. Whatever the reason, the number 18 has become an iconic part of her persona, symbolizing her success, elegance, and consistency as one of the best women’s cricketers in the world.
Smriti Mandhana’s Career Overview
Smriti Mandhana has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of women’s cricket in India. As a left-handed opening batter, she has been the backbone of the Indian batting line-up in all formats. Her graceful yet powerful style of play has made her one of the most successful women cricketers of the modern era.
Smriti Mandhana’s Career Stats
| Format | Matches Played | Innings | Runs Scored | Batting Average | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 3 | 6 | 88 | 14.66 | 22 |
| ODI | 73 | 71 | 2,598 | 43.30 | 135* |
| T20I | 112 | 106 | 2,491 | 29.88 | 86* |
Key Achievements in Each Format
- Test Cricket: Smriti Mandhana made her Test debut for India in 2014, marking a significant moment in her career. While Test cricket remains a smaller part of her international career due to fewer opportunities for women’s teams, Mandhana’s presence in this format is crucial, particularly in building a solid top-order for India.
- One-Day Internationals (ODI): Mandhana has been a star player in ODIs, where she has delivered exceptional performances, including her memorable 135 against New Zealand* in 2019, which remains one of her career highlights. She is consistently ranked among the top ODI batters in the world and has helped India to reach many significant milestones, including the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup Final.
- Twenty20 Internationals (T20I): Mandhana has also been a key figure in India’s T20I team. Her consistency and ability to accelerate in the shorter format have made her a key player in T20 tournaments like the Women’s T20 World Cup and the Women’s T20 Challenge. She was one of the top performers in the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Smriti Mandhana in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL)
Mandhana has had the opportunity to play in several domestic leagues, and her stint with the Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) has been particularly successful. Here’s a look at her performances in the WBBL.
| Season | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Batting Average | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | 14 | 255 | 25.50 | 59* |
| 2019-20 | 9 | 230 | 32.85 | 71 |
| 2020-21 | 9 | 183 | 20.33 | 51 |
Her performances in the WBBL highlighted her ability to adapt to different playing conditions and against international players, further cementing her reputation as one of the finest women’s cricketers.
Memorable Moments in Smriti Mandhana’s Career
- 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup: Smriti Mandhana played a crucial role in India’s remarkable run to the final. She scored vital runs at the top of the order, helping India become one of the top-ranked teams in women’s cricket.
- 2018 ICC Women’s World Twenty20: Mandhana was one of the standout players in the tournament, impressing fans and critics alike with her aggressive yet elegant style of play. She helped India reach the semifinals, where they were narrowly defeated.
- 2019 New Zealand ODI Series: One of her best performances came during India’s tour of New Zealand in 2019, where Mandhana scored a memorable 135 against New Zealand*, proving her ability to dominate the top bowlers in the world.
Memorable 135* in New Zealand (2019)
| Opposition | Year | Runs Scored | Balls Faced | Strike Rate | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 2019 | 135* | 128 | 105.46 | 22 | 2 |
This innings is a testament to Smriti Mandhana’s consistency and ability to shine in challenging conditions.
Impact of Smriti Mandhana’s Jersey Number 18
Jersey numbers in cricket are often symbolic, representing a player’s journey, achievements, and identity. Smriti Mandhana’s jersey number 18 has become synonymous with the rise of women’s cricket in India. Through her performances, Mandhana has inspired countless young girls and boys across the world to take up the sport and dream big.
The Significance of Number 18
- Symbol of Success: The number 18 has come to represent the success and consistent excellence of Smriti Mandhana, especially in the shorter formats of the game.
- International Recognition: Over the years, her performances with the bat have helped her achieve numerous accolades, and her number 18 jersey has become iconic among fans of women’s cricket.
- Global Influence: As one of the faces of women’s cricket, Smriti Mandhana has represented India on the global stage, and her jersey number has been seen as a symbol of the growing recognition of women’s sports.
Comparison with Other Iconic Cricketers Wearing Number 18
While the number 18 is not the most common number in cricket, it has been worn by some other famous cricketers:
| Player | Country | Career Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Danielle Wyatt | England | English cricketer known for her aggressive batting in the T20 format. |
| Ricky Ponting | Australia | One of Australia’s greatest-ever cricketers, former captain, and World Cup winner. |
Conclusion
Smriti Mandhana’s jersey number 18 has become a symbol of her excellence and contributions to women’s cricket. From her graceful batting to her leadership on and off the field, Mandhana’s number represents her journey as one of the most consistent and talented cricketers in the world. Her performances in international cricket, coupled with her leadership in domestic leagues like the WBBL, have solidified her place as a role model for young cricketers everywhere. As she continues to break barriers and set new standards for women’s cricket, her jersey number 18 will remain a symbol of success and inspiration for generations to come.