In a proud moment for Indian women’s cricket, Smriti Mandhana has not only retained her spot but extended her lead at the top of the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings—thanks to a string of match-defining half-centuries in the ongoing Women’s Cricket World Cup. Meanwhile, all-rounder Deepti Sharma has surged to No. 3 in the bowling rankings, marking India’s strongest showing in recent ICC standings .
While Mandhana stands alone as the only Indian batter in the top 10, her consistency under pressure has turned her into the backbone of India’s top order. And with Deepti’s crafty left-arm spin troubling even the best, the duo is carrying the nation’s hopes on two fronts.
Smriti Mandhana: The Undisputed Queen of ODI Batting
Mandhana’s rise isn’t accidental. In the last five ODIs, she’s scored 247 runs at an average of 49.40, including crucial knocks against Australia and South Africa. Her ability to dominate the powerplay—often taking on pace bowlers with elegant cover drives—has redefined how openers approach modern ODIs.
“She’s not just scoring runs; she’s setting the tone for the entire innings,” said former India captain Mithali Raj. “That’s why she’s No. 1—and why she’ll stay there.”
Deepti Sharma’s Bowling Breakthrough
While Mandhana owns the bat, Deepti Sharma is making waves with the ball. Her recent figures—3/28 against England and 2/19 against New Zealand—have propelled her to third in the ICC ODI bowling rankings, behind only England’s Sophie Ecclestone and Australia’s Megan Schutt.
What sets Deepti apart is her dual threat: she bowls tight lines in the middle overs and can accelerate with the bat down the order. In a tournament where all-rounders are gold, she’s India’s secret weapon.
ICC Women’s ODI Rankings: Top 5 Snapshot
| Category | Rank 1 | Rank 2 | Rank 3 | Top Indian |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batting | Smriti Mandhana (IND) | Nat Sciver-Brunt (ENG) | Alyssa Healy (AUS) | Smriti Mandhana (1st) |
| Bowling | Sophie Ecclestone (ENG) | Megan Schutt (AUS) | Deepti Sharma (IND) | Deepti Sharma (3rd) |
Why This Matters for India’s World Cup Campaign
Strong individual rankings often reflect team momentum. With Mandhana anchoring the chase and Deepti breaking partnerships, India’s balance looks healthier than in previous cycles. Coach Amol Muzumdar has emphasized “process over pressure,” and the results are showing in ICC’s official metrics.
Still, challenges remain. India’s middle order has been inconsistent, and fielding lapses have cost crucial runs. But with two players in elite form, the foundation is solid.
Global Stars Also Shine
England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt continues to impress with both bat and ball, holding firm at No. 2 in batting. Australia’s Alyssa Healy, known for her explosive starts, rounds out the top three—proving that the competition at the top is fiercer than ever.
Yet, it’s Mandhana’s calm dominance and Deepti’s quiet efficiency that are capturing attention in 2025. They’re not just climbing charts—they’re inspiring a new generation of girls picking up bats and balls across India.