World Cup-winning cricketer Smriti Mandhana has been named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025.
Mandhana, 29, was India’s vice-captain as they won the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup, scoring 434 runs across the tournament.
Also nominated for the award were India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, chess champion Divya Deshmukh, shooter Suruchi Singh and hurdler Jyothi Yarraji.
Accepting the award, Mandhana reflected on a “special year” for women’s cricket
“Thank you BBC for giving me the award for Best Sportswoman of the Year,” she said.
“I’m happy I could contribute and help India win matches.”
Mandhana was chosen by a distinguished grand jury comprising Grand Slam tennis champion Leander Paes, Paralympic medallist Deepa Malik and World Championship long-jump medallist Anju Bobby George.
Mandhana made her debut for India aged 16 and has scored 17 international centuries across the three formats of the game – a record she shares with Australia’s Meg Lanning.
She has also won two Women’s Premier League titles with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
