'Keep the Indian flag soaring with pride' - Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan wish Smriti Mandhana on her 24th birthday

Smriti Shriniwas Mandhana– the swashbuckling India Women opener, ever since breaking into the national side, has gained many accolades at the international stage. The young stalwart, in her short yet impactful career, has become a household name across the country. Mandhana is considered as one of the best batswomen amid the current generation.

On the occasion of Mandhana’s 24th birthday on July 18 (Saturday), wishes started pouring in all over the social media. Her fans, as well as former cricketers and teammates, extended birthday wishes to her.

The left-handed batswoman, currently ranked No.4 in ODI batting rankings, boasts exemplary records in the limited-overs format. In 51 ODIs, Mandhana has amassed 2025 runs at an impressive average of 43, including four tons and 17 half-centuries. After the likes of Jhulan Goswami, Anjum Chopra and Mithali Raj, Mandhana is touted as the next stalwart of India Women’s cricket.

Smriti Mandhana became the youngest T20I India captain in 2019

Mandhana’s first breakthrough came in October 2013 when Mandhana became the first Indian woman to achieve a double-hundred in a one-day game. The left-hander smashed 224 off 150 deliveries against Gujarat while playing for Maharashtra and hogged headlines for achieving this impressive feat.

Her career kept flourishing post her national debut as Mandhana became the youngest T20I captain for India when she the Women in Blue against England in the first T20I in February 2019.

The prolific batswoman, who made her ODI debut in 2013 and Test debut in 2014, is currently one of the mainstays of India Women. Mandhana was also the only Indian player to be named in the ICC Women’s Team of the Year in 2016. In 2018, the BCCI named Mandhana as the Best Women’s International Cricketer and ICC, in the very same year, awarded her with the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Award for the best female cricketer of the year.

Mandhana’s last on-field expedition was against Australia in the final of the T20 World Cup 2020, where Harmanpreet Kaur and Co suffered a drubbing 85-run defeat. It was a forgetful tournament for Mandhana as she managed a top score of 17 in four innings of the showpiece event.

Jemimah Rodrigues, Mandhana’s best mate in India Women squad, also extended birthday wishes to her along with sharing their picture. “Happy birthday Smrits!! Here’s to another year of tolerating my nonsense,” wrote Rodrigues.

Apart from Rodrigues, former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, women’s team coach WV Raman and veteran India Women pacer Jhulan Goswami lead birthday wishes for the India opener.

Here are some of the tweets: