Indian cricket vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is on the cusp of a monumental achievement as she prepares for the fifth and final T20 International against Sri Lanka. The elegant left-handed batter is within striking distance of a major national record currently held by the prolific Shubman Gill.
The Record in Mandhana's Sights
As the series against Sri Lanka concludes, all eyes are on Smriti Mandhana's run tally for the year 2025. The star opener needs just 47 more runs to overtake Shubman Gill's record for the most runs scored by an Indian batter in a single calendar year across all formats. Gill set the benchmark earlier this year with a formidable total of 2,756 runs.
Mandhana's consistent and explosive performances throughout the year have brought her to the brink of this historic feat. With one match remaining in the T20I series against Sri Lanka, she has a golden opportunity to not only secure a series win for India but also to etch her name into the record books by surpassing a mark set by one of the modern greats of the men's game.
Context of the Final Match
The record chase sets the stage for a thrilling finale at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on December 29, 2025. India has already secured an unassailable lead in the series, winning the first four matches convincingly. This situation allows Mandhana to play with freedom and focus purely on her batting, without the pressure of a series-deciding contest.
Her form in the ongoing series has been exceptional, providing a solid foundation at the top of the order in every match. The final game offers her the perfect platform to achieve this significant personal and national milestone in front of a home crowd.
Significance of the Potential Achievement
If Smriti Mandhana scores the required 47 runs, it will be a landmark moment for women's cricket in India. Surpassing a record held by a male contemporary like Shubman Gill underscores the growing stature, competitiveness, and following of the women's game. It highlights the incredible consistency and skill required to excel across all three formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20Is—throughout a grueling year.
This potential achievement is not just about a number; it is a testament to Mandhana's dedication, technical prowess, and her role as a pillar of the Indian batting lineup. It reinforces her status as one of the world's premier batters and an inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the country.
The final T20I, therefore, transcends a dead rubber. It becomes a historic occasion where fans will witness a champion batter aiming for a record that symbolizes excellence and parity in Indian cricket. Whether she achieves it or not, Mandhana's 2025 campaign has already been spectacular, but crossing that threshold would be the perfect crowning glory.
