For over a decade, Mithali Raj was the steady heartbeat of Indian women’s cricket — the pillar who anchored.
The batting lineup through highs and lows. Today, that role has passed to Smriti Mandhana, whose elegance, consistency, and match-winning abilities have made her the face of India’s batting unit.
But while Mandhana’s brilliance is undeniable, India’s growing dependence on her is a concern. When she falters, the team’s batting often appears fragile, exposing a middle order that struggles to deliver consistently. One player cannot carry an entire lineup, no matter how talented.
India Must Share the Load
As India prepares for the Women’s World Cup clash against Pakistan in Colombo, the message is clear: the middle order must step up. With tougher opponents like England, Australia, and New Zealand looming, India cannot rely solely on Mandhana’s runs.
Even when Mandhana shone — scoring 300 runs in the ODI series against Australia — India lost 1–2 as the rest of the batting lineup failed to capitalize. In matches like the 413-run chase at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Mandhana’s scintillating 125 kept India ahead, but the innings collapsed once support failed to arrive. Similarly, in the World Cup opener against Sri Lanka, her early dismissal exposed vulnerabilities that almost led to a major collapse, only salvaged by Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur.
Supporting Mandhana Is Critical
Mandhana’s record speaks volumes: 13 ODI centuries, eight in the past 19 months, with a remarkable average of 60.10 in winning causes. Yet, she cannot bear the burden alone. Players like Pratika Rawal have provided useful contributions, but Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh must elevate their performances.
Key statistics since January 2024 in ODI wins:
| Player | Matches | Runs | HS | Avg | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | 28 | 1683 | 136 | 60.10 | 8 | 6 |
| Pratika Rawal | 18 | 839 | 154 | 49.35 | 1 | 6 |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | 26 | 808 | 123 | 36.72 | 2 | 2 |
| Harmanpreet Kaur | 24 | 763 | 103* | 38.15 | 2 | 2 |
| Harleen Deol | 21 | 722 | 115 | 36.10 | 1 | 2 |
| Deepti Sharma | 28 | 620 | 93 | 51.66 | 0 | 4 |
| Richa Ghosh | 25 | 484 | 59 | 26.88 | 0 | 3 |
World Cup Performance
Mandhana has scored 567 runs in 17 World Cup ODIs since 2017, with two hundreds and three fifties, averaging 35.43. These numbers suggest that while she can shine on the big stage, the team cannot afford complacency. Her teammates must contribute consistently to reduce pressure and allow her to play her natural game.
The Road Ahead
With Mandhana in form, India must ensure that she isn’t the sole determinant of outcomes. The upcoming clash against Pakistan offers a chance for the middle order to rise, build confidence, and provide a more balanced batting lineup. For India to go deep in the Women’s World Cup 2025, it cannot be just Smriti’s story — it must be a collective one.
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