India’s batting sensation Smriti Mandhana has returned to the summit of the ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings, ending a six-year wait to reclaim the top spot. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the latest rankings update on Tuesday, confirming Mandhana as the world’s leading ODI batter.
𝙏𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 🥇
Congratulations to #TeamIndia vice-captain Smriti Mandhana on reclaiming the 🔝 spot in ICC Women’s ODI batting rankings 👏👏@mandhana_smriti pic.twitter.com/OfiSxX70Dh
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) June 17, 2025
This marks the first time since 2019 that the 27-year-old left-hander has secured the No.1 position, following a series of consistent performances that culminated in a match-winning century during the final of the tri-nation series in Colombo, featuring Sri Lanka and South Africa. It was Mandhana’s 11th career century in the 50-over format.
Her recent surge in form comes in stark contrast to South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt, who dropped 19 rating points after underwhelming scores of 27 and 28 in her side’s recent ODIs against the West Indies. The dip saw Wolvaardt slide to joint second in the rankings, where she now shares the spot with England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt.
While Mandhana has remained a regular presence in the top 10 over the years, the top spot had eluded her since early 2019. Her latest rise to the peak signals not only a personal comeback but also highlights India’s growing presence in the global women’s cricket arena.
