HELLO! India Exclusive: Smriti Mandhana is currently in the best innings of her life

Circa 2013. A 16-year-old from the suburbs of Madhavnagar in Maharashtra was ready to embark on a journey that would steer the course of her life — and those of millions of other girls in India who dare to dream. That year, Smriti Mandhana’s international debut for India, in a T20 match against Bangladesh, changed the very way the country looked at women’s cricket. Since then, she’s gone on to establish herself as one of India’s finest cricketers.

Currently the vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, the 29-year-old recently became India’s leading run-scorer in T20 Internationals across men’s and women’s cricket, surpassing Rohit Sharma’s earlier record. She’s also the first player in T20I history to smash 600 fours, and also featured as the first Indian athlete in TIME magazine’s inaugural ‘100 Most Influential People in Sports’ list.

Off the field, Smriti is graceful, with a contagious confidence that inspires young girls, giving wings to their dreams. We caught up with the youth icon to get a grasp on what makes her tick.

HELLO! India: What has been the most defining moment in your journey, so far?

Smriti Mandhana: It was the first time I was given my India jersey. You dream of representing your country all your life, but when it finally happens, you feel completely overwhelmed. I truly believe that was a defining moment in my career because that’s when everything became real. From an Indian women’s cricket perspective, the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup win changed the way women’s cricket is viewed and consumed globally. We saw packed stadiums throughout the campaign, something most of us had always hoped for.

Women’s cricket is witnessing unprecedented global attention today. How do you see the game evolving over the next decade?

It’s really exciting to see how much the game has grown. There’s definitely more recognition and understanding now, and going forward, I think the exposure will only increase, and we’ll see more opportunities, stronger competition, and a larger global audience. Ideally, the focus will continue to shift towards seeing us just as cricketers, which is how it should be.

What are you like off the field? How do you spend your free time?

I’m actually quite a fun but a fairly quiet person. I enjoy my own space and simple moments, especially when I’m spending time with people close to me. Apart from cricket, I like playing video games. It’s a nice way to switch off and relax.

Describe your personal style.

My style is quite relaxed and comfort driven. I don’t overthink it too much. I like to wear things that feel easy and natural. At the same time, I do enjoy experimenting a little, depending on the occasion. It’s about feeling comfortable in what I’m wearing.

How do you unwind after a season?

Honestly, the simplest things help the most: getting enough sleep, watching movies, and spending time with family. After a long season, those quiet moments are what really help me reset.

You’ve inspired a new generation of young girls to take up cricket. What message would you like to share with aspiring athletes?

It’s most important to stay consistent and enjoy the process. There will always be challenges, but if you stay committed and keep working on your game, things fall into place over time. Also, just believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to dream big.

Fitness and discipline are crucial to your profession. What does a typical training day look like for you?

It usually includes a mix of skill training, fitness work, and recovery. There’s a lot of focus on preparation, whether it’s batting sessions, strength training, or just making sure the body is recovering well. It’s about maintaining that balance so you’re ready when it matters.

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind?

For me, it’s about contributing to the game’s growth and leaving it in a better place than when I started. If I can inspire young girls to take up cricket and help push the sport forward, that would mean a lot.

As a ‘Friend of the Brand’ for Rado, what resonates most with you about their philosophy? 

Rado has spent decades innovating with materials and design — that mindset feels very similar to sport. As an athlete, you’re always trying to evolve, refine your game, and explore new possibilities. That shared approach to growth and precision is what makes this association feel natural.

What aspects of Rado watches align with your personal style?

Rado balances innovation and comfort. As a sportsperson, I naturally lean towards things that feel effortless to wear, and their high-tech ceramic pieces are incredibly light. There’s also a strong design identity, like the True Square that feels modern but still very timeless. That combination of functionality and distinctive design fits quite naturally with my personal style. 

This story was featured in the Vol 1. Issue 9 of HELLO! India. For more exclusive stories, subscribe to the magazine here.