What is Smriti Mandhana Jersey Number

Smriti Mandhana has earned fame in India in the world of cricket due to her graceful batting style, consistency, and calmness under pressure. Smriti was born July 18, 1996, in Mumbai; surrounded by a loving family, Mandhana was destined for greatness as a cricket player. She quickly traversed her path to stardom, rising through domestic leagues and international cricket to now serve as one of the most important players in women’s cricket, and a source of inspiration for millions of teammates and fans worldwide. In addition to her batting achievements, fans frequently take note of the Smriti Mandhana jersey number, which has now become a representation of the player.

Smriti Mandhana Jersey Number Explained

So, what is Smriti Mandhana jersey number? The fashionable left-handed batter wears the jersey number 18 when she plays for India at the international level. The number she wears is against the back of her jersey across formats, and is easily identifiable by her fans.

The number 18 is not arbitrary. In fact, it holds so much meaning within Indian cricket due to it being worn by one of India’s great batters, Virat Kohli. For Mandhana, wearing the number has both a sense of personal want and an attachment to cricketing greatness.

The Story Behind Choosing the Jersey Number

Jersey numbers can be assigned for personal or sentimental causes. In Smriti Mandhana’s case, she settled on the number 18, and partly because of her admiration for Virat Kohli. Kohli’s aggressiveness and dominance in world cricket has inspired a whole generation of players. As Mandhana herself acknowledged, she looked up to him as a role model. 

Moreover, the number 18 is also believed to be lucky by many other athletes across multiple sports. It can represent new beginnings and achievements, which directly relates to Mandhana’s path in her career.

Smriti Mandhana Jersey Number in Different Formats

• In ODIs: Smriti Mandhana proudly wears the jersey number 18.
• In T20Is: Her jersey number remains the same, ensuring consistency and recognition.
• In Tests: Though jersey numbers are less emphasized in whites, when numbered jerseys are used, she continues with 18.

Comparison with Other Indian Cricketers’ Jersey Numbers

Jersey numbers can mean the world to fans, and numerous Indian cricketers are equally legendary because of a jersey number directly or indirectly associated with them. To illustrate: 

• MS Dhoni – 7
• Virat Kohli – 18
• Sachin Tendulkar – 10
• Harmanpreet Kaur – 7
• Jhulan Goswami – 25

In this lineup of legends, Smriti Mandhana’s jersey number 18 stands out as a modern hero in women’s cricket. It contributes to the intrigue and adoration that surrounds her and her jersey number in the same way that Virat Kohli’s jersey number does.

Fan Following and Merchandise

Smriti Mandhana’s fame extends beyond her on-field exploits. Fans from India and abroad have often donned jerseys with her name and number printed on them. In particular, the Smriti Mandhana jersey number 18 has become a much sought-after merchandise item, especially for the youth and aspiring women cricketers alike.

The official jerseys can be bought from the BCCI’s official apparel merchandise partners, as well as from sports stores and online retailers like Amazon and Flipkart. Many fans also customize their jersey kits or t-shirts to wear Mandhana’s number proudly.

Smriti Mandhana: Records and Achievements with the Jersey

Wearing jersey number 18, Mandhana has surpassed multiple records that will display her name in the books of cricket history: 

• Youngest Indian to score a century in World Cup (2017 Women’s World Cup vs. West Indies)
• ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year (2018 & 2021)
• Fastest Indian woman to 2000 runs in ODIs
• Leading run-scorer in several series across formats

Mandhana’s story in jersey number 18 has also become a part of her sweetest moments of outings with her bat, making it even special.

Smriti Mandhana’s Impact on Women’s Cricket

Aside from her cricketing accomplishments, Smriti Mandhana has made a significant impact on women’s cricket in India. She embodies a new dimension of professionalism, fitness and style in the women’s game. She has been called the next big thing and has drawn comparisons to legends of the game. Her jersey number (18) has become a metaphor of hope and aspiration to young cricketers across the country. Not limited to just her cricketing efforts, Mandhana also transcends the sport through endorsements, interviews and social media to continue promoting women’s cricket and providing positive role models for young female cricketers.

Conclusion

The Smriti Mandhana jersey number 18 has become much more than just a number stitched on her back; it has become a representation of her journey, record, and inspiration to millions of people. By wearing the same number as Virat Kohli, she has also created an interesting dynamic of comparisons in men’s and women’s cricket in India, making it clear that we don’t define greatness by gender.

For fans, having a jersey number 18 with “Mandhana” on it is simply a way to honour her success and support her along the way to success. As she continues to shine at the international level, number 18 will be remembered and cherished by cricket fans, and act as a legacy for the sport yet to come.

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