Smriti Mandhana scored 68 runs [1] for India during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, continuing a legacy of dominance against Pakistan.
The performance highlights the growing influence of the women's game in India and the symbolic passing of the torch from established stars like Virat Kohli to the current generation of female athletes.
Kohli said Mandhana had "amazing mental strength" [3]. The praise comes as Mandhana is viewed as carrying forward Kohli's reputation as a "Run Machine" on the global stage [1].
Beyond the international circuit, Mandhana has led the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women to significant domestic success. The team captured its second Women's Premier League title in 2026 [2].
The championship victory was marked by a historic offensive effort. RCB Women successfully chased a record target of 204 runs [4] to win the final. This victory further cements the team's status as a powerhouse in the league, a success Kohli noted while hailing the team's achievements [2].
Mandhana's rise is often compared to Kohli's own career trajectory, including the symbolic association with the jersey number 18 [1]. Both players have become central figures in the narrative of Indian cricket's global expansion.
“Amazing mental strength”
The alignment of success between the men's and women's wings of Indian cricket, exemplified by the mutual recognition between Kohli and Mandhana, signals a shift toward parity in sporting prestige. The ability of the RCB Women to chase a record 204-run target demonstrates an evolving aggressive tactical approach in the women's game that mirrors the high-scoring nature of the men's T20 format.
