Indian cricket vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has etched her name into the history books, capping off a remarkable 2025 by achieving a monumental career milestone. The elegant left-handed batter has become only the second Indian and the fourth player overall in women's cricket to amass 10,000 runs in international cricket.
A Landmark Achievement in a Stellar Career
Mandhana reached this elite landmark during a recent international match, solidifying her status as one of the modern greats of the game. The 28-year-old opener now finds herself in an exclusive club, joining legendary former Indian captain Mithali Raj as the only Indians to have crossed the 10,000-run threshold in all formats combined.
Globally, she stands as the fourth woman to achieve this feat. The elite list is headed by England's Charlotte Edwards, who leads with 10,273 runs. She is followed by Australia's Belinda Clark (10,171 runs) and India's own Mithali Raj (10,080 runs). Mandhana's entry into this pantheon marks a significant moment for Indian women's cricket, showcasing the consistent excellence of its current generation.
Consistent Excellence Across Formats
Mandhana's journey to 10,000 runs is a testament to her class, consistency, and longevity at the highest level. Known for her stylish strokeplay and ability to dominate bowling attacks, she has been a cornerstone of the Indian batting lineup for nearly a decade. Her runs have come across all three formats:
- Test Cricket: Providing solidity at the top in the longest format.
- One-Day Internationals (ODIs): Where she has often provided explosive starts.
- Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is): Excelling as a dynamic opener in the shortest format.
This milestone is not just a personal triumph but also a reflection of the growing stature and competitive calendar of women's international cricket. It highlights the increased opportunities and professional pathways that have developed in recent years.
Leading the Charge for a New Generation
As the vice-captain of the Indian team, Mandhana's achievement serves as a massive inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the country. Alongside captain Harmanpreet Kaur, she is part of a leadership duo that has driven the team to new heights, including memorable performances in global tournaments.
Reaching 10,000 runs in 2025 adds a glorious chapter to what has already been a memorable year for the batter. It underscores her vital role in the team's engine room and her ability to perform under pressure on the world stage. Her success is seen as a direct result of her hard work, technical prowess, and mental fortitude.
The Future Looks Bright
With this historic milestone behind her, the focus now shifts to the future. The Indian women's cricket team, buoyed by such individual brilliance, continues to build towards major upcoming challenges. Mandhana, now firmly established as a legend of the game, will be crucial to the team's aspirations for winning ICC trophies.
Her achievement is a powerful reminder of the talent pool in Indian women's cricket. It signals a bright future where records are not just broken but redefined, inspiring a whole new generation to pick up the bat and dream big.
