Bengaluru, India – Smriti Mandhana was named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year following an exceptional 2025 cricket season. The star opener played a crucial role in India’s historic Women’s World Cup victory and led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to another Women’s Premier League (WPL) title.
Mandhana’s consistent performance throughout the World Cup captured the attention of fans and experts alike. Her aggressive batting and strategic approach helped India lift their second Women’s World Cup trophy in history, marking a major achievement for the country’s cricketing landscape.
World Cup Final Performance
In the World Cup final held in New Delhi, Mandhana scored an impressive 86 runs off 74 balls, anchoring the innings under pressure. Her partnership with the middle order ensured a competitive total, which India successfully defended against England.
Women’s Premier League Success
Following the World Cup success, Mandhana continued her rich vein of form in the WPL. She was instrumental in RCB’s campaign, scoring 512 runs in the tournament, including:
- Two centuries
- Three half-centuries
Her leadership and batting prowess guided RCB to their second WPL championship title.
RCB’s captain praised Mandhana’s impact after the final, saying: “Smriti’s performance is incredible. She leads by example and brings confidence to our lineup.”
Award Recognition and Impact
The award recognized Mandhana’s dual achievements on both international and domestic stages. She now joins an elite list of Indian athletes who have excelled across multiple platforms in a single year.
Fans took to social media to celebrate Mandhana’s recognition, calling her a role model for aspiring sportswomen across India:
“She is an inspiration,” tweeted a cricket fan. “Her determination and skill have raised the bar for women’s cricket.”
Mandhana’s coaches and teammates highlighted her work ethic and commitment as key factors behind her rise. This accolade also highlights the growing prominence of women’s cricket in India and the increasing support for female athletes.
Looking Ahead
Looking forward, Mandhana aims to maintain her high standards and inspire the next generation. She stated, “I’m grateful for this honor and will keep working hard to help my team win.”
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