Smriti Mandhana 10000 Runs: A Landmark That Changes the Game
In a moment that will echo through the annals of Indian cricket, Smriti Mandhana has etched her name into history—not just as a star, but as a standard-bearer. During the T20I against Sri Lanka in December 2025, she crossed the monumental threshold of 10,000 international runs, becoming only the second Indian woman ever to achieve this feat .
With this milestone, Mandhana joins the legendary Mithali Raj in an elite club—but she’s doing it faster, with more power, and across a rapidly evolving global women’s cricket landscape. The achievement isn’t just about numbers; it’s a testament to consistency, adaptability, and sheer class in an era where women’s cricket is finally getting the spotlight it deserves.
Table of Contents
- How Smriti Mandhana Reached 10,000 Runs
- Smriti Mandhana 10000 Runs: Breaking Down the Numbers
- Records and Firsts in Her Career
- Captaining RCB in WPL 2025: What’s Next?
- Where She Stands Globally
- The Legacy of Women in Indian Cricket
- Conclusion: More Than a Milestone
- Sources
How Smriti Mandhana Reached 10,000 Runs
Mandhana’s journey to this landmark began way back in 2013, when she debuted for India at just 16 years old. Known for her elegant cover drives and fearless strokeplay, she quickly became a fan favorite and a nightmare for bowlers worldwide.
Her path to 10,000 runs was built on performances across all three formats:
- ODIs: Over 5,500 runs at an average above 40, including 7 centuries.
- T20Is: Nearly 3,500 runs with a strike rate hovering around 130—making her one of the most explosive openers in the game.
- Tests: Though fewer in number, her red-ball contributions include crucial knocks against Australia and England .
Reaching 10,000 runs isn’t just about longevity—it’s about sustained excellence in an increasingly competitive international arena.
Smriti Mandhana 10000 Runs: Breaking Down the Numbers
Let’s put Mandhana’s achievement in perspective:
| Player | Total International Runs | Matches Played | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mithali Raj | 10,868 | 334 | 48.31 |
| Smriti Mandhana | 10,000+ | ~230* | ~38* |
*Approximate as of Dec 2025. Source: ESPNcricinfo
While Mithali Raj’s higher average reflects her classical, anchor role, Mandhana’s numbers showcase a modern all-format batter—aggressive in T20s, solid in ODIs, and technically sound in Tests. She’s on track to surpass Raj’s overall tally in fewer matches, highlighting her rapid impact.
Records and Firsts in Her Career
Mandhana’s trophy cabinet is packed with historic firsts:
- First Indian woman to score a century in the Kia Super League (England)
- First Indian to win the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award (ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year, 2022)
- Fastest Indian woman to 2,000 T20I runs
- Only Indian woman with ODI centuries in five different countries
Her ability to dominate in overseas conditions—especially in Australia and England—sets her apart in a generation that’s truly global.
Captaining RCB in WPL 2025: What’s Next?
Right after this T20I series, Mandhana will take the reins as captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL). After leading them to the final in 2024, expectations are sky-high.
Her leadership style—calm, strategic, and empowering—has drawn praise from teammates and analysts alike. As she balances national duties and franchise captaincy, Mandhana is positioning herself not just as a player, but as a builder of women’s cricket’s future in India.
For insights on how WPL is transforming careers, see our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:wpl-impact-on-womens-cricket].
Where She Stands Globally
Globally, Mandhana is among the top five active batters in women’s cricket by run aggregate. Only Australia’s Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry, and England’s Tammy Beaumont, are in similar territory—but none combine her blend of flair, speed, and consistency across formats.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), Mandhana remains a mainstay in the top 5 of both ODI and T20I batting rankings—a rare double that underscores her all-format mastery .
The Legacy of Women in Indian Cricket
Mandhana’s rise mirrors the evolution of women’s cricket in India. From playing on dusty grounds with minimal support to headlining sold-out WPL matches at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the journey has been revolutionary.
She stands on the shoulders of pioneers like Shantha Rangaswamy and Mithali Raj—but she’s also blazing a new trail: one where female cricketers are marketable, influential, and unapologetically elite. Her success isn’t just personal; it’s paving the way for the next Smriti in every small town across India.
Conclusion: More Than a Milestone
The Smriti Mandhana 10000 runs landmark is more than a statistic—it’s a cultural moment. It signals that women’s cricket in India has not just arrived; it’s thriving. As she prepares to lead RCB in the WPL and eye World Cup glory in 2026, one thing is certain: Mandhana isn’t just making history. She’s defining the future of the game.