Smriti Mandhana – A Year of Dominance In 2024

Smriti Mandhana has lit up 2024 with her remarkable batting, asserting her place as one of the premier talents in women’s cricket. Her consistency, class, and ability to deliver under pressure have not only elevated her individual stature but also bolstered Team India’s performances across formats.

T20I Maestro

Mandhana’s exploits in T20Is this year have been nothing short of spectacular. She amassed a record-breaking 763 runs in the format, the most ever scored by any batter in a calendar year.

This tally included eight half-centuries, surpassing Mithali Raj’s previous Indian record of seven, with scores of 54, 62, and 77 in the T20I series against the West Indies standing out as highlights.

Her ability to find gaps and rotate strike has been unmatched, evident from her staggering 104 fours—the most by any batter in 2024. In the bilateral T20I series against the West Indies, Mandhana etched her name in history with 193 runs, the highest by an Indian woman in such a series.

She also surpassed Suzie Bates’ record of 28 T20I fifties, becoming the first woman to hit 30 half-centuries in the format.

ODI Elegance

Mandhana’s form extended seamlessly into the ODI format in 2024, where her batting prowess truly came to the fore. With four centuries to her name, she showcased her ability to adapt to different match situations, whether it required steady accumulation or explosive acceleration. Her 599 runs at an outstanding average of 59.90 underline her consistency and reliability as a top-order batter.

One of Mandhana’s greatest strengths in ODIs has been her ability to anchor innings, ensuring stability at the crease while building partnerships with the middle order.

This was particularly evident in her century against Australia earlier this year, where she held the innings together after early wickets fell, gradually increasing the scoring rate as she guided the team to a competitive total.

Beyond her individual contributions, Mandhana’s performances have had a significant impact on India’s overall success in ODIs this year. Her runs at the top of the order have consistently laid the foundation for victories, while her calm presence in pressure situations has been invaluable. 

Captaincy in Focus

In the absence of regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana took the reins for the final two T20Is against the West Indies, showcasing a leadership style that was calm, composed, and methodical.

While Harmanpreet is known for her aggressive and fiery approach to captaincy, Mandhana brought a sense of tranquillity and balance to the role, which resonated well with the team.

Mandhana’s tactical acumen was evident in her ability to make quick, on-the-spot decisions, particularly with field placements and bowling changes. She effectively utilized her bowlers, ensuring they were placed in positions to exploit the opposition’s weaknesses.

For instance, her decision to bring on spinners early in the middle overs in the final T20I stifled the West Indies’ momentum, forcing them to take risks and lose crucial wickets.

Her composed demeanour under pressure played a key role in keeping the team grounded during challenging phases of the game. Mandhana’s body language on the field exuded confidence, which had a trickle-down effect on her teammates, particularly the younger players.

Her approachable and encouraging nature allowed the debutants and less experienced players to express themselves freely, knowing they had the captain’s support. Mandhana’s leadership also reflected her understanding of individual player strengths. She strategically backed certain players in pivotal moments, ensuring they felt empowered to deliver. 

While the team maintained its aggressive intent, Mandhana’s composed captaincy provided a contrasting yet effective dimension. Her stint as captain not only reinforced her versatility as a leader but also showcased her potential to seamlessly step into the role whenever required, providing India with a reliable and adaptable leadership option for the future.

Boost to Team India

Smriti Mandhana’s incredible form in 2024 has been a defining factor for the Indian women’s cricket team, creating a ripple effect that has transformed the dynamics of the side. Her consistency at the top of the order has ensured India regularly gets off to solid starts, giving the middle order a stable platform to build upon or accelerate from, depending on the match situation.

Mandhana’s ability to anchor innings while maintaining a brisk scoring rate has alleviated pressure on her teammates. For the senior players, her dependable performances have meant they can play with more freedom, focusing on their natural strengths rather than having to cover for early collapses.

This has been particularly evident in India’s middle order, where players like Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma have been able to focus on situational adaptability rather than firefighting.

Her influence extends beyond her runs. As a senior figure in the team, Mandhana’s success serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for younger players. Her professionalism and hunger for runs set a benchmark for what is required at the highest level, creating a culture of excellence within the team.

2024 has not just been about Smriti Mandhana scoring runs; it has been about her redefining the standards of batting in women’s cricket. Her record-breaking feats, including the most runs in T20Is in a single calendar year, underscore her dominance and ability to perform consistently across formats. With 30 T20I fifties, she has also set a new benchmark for longevity and adaptability in the shortest format, becoming a role model for aspiring cricketers worldwide.

As India looks ahead to crucial tournaments in the near future, Mandhana’s form and leadership will be pivotal. Her ability to guide the team both with the bat and as a leader in Harmanpreet Kaur’s absence showcases her growing stature as a cornerstone of Indian cricket. With her blend of talent, work ethic, and calm temperament, Smriti Mandhana is not just shaping matches—she’s shaping the future of Indian women’s cricket.

Click Here to get the latest news related to Women’s Cricket. You can also check about Match predictions here. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more updates.