After overcoming personal setbacks, Smriti Mandhana has begun preparations for the upcoming Sri Lanka series and is training intensely. In the midst of this, she received uplifting news she has regained the top spot in the ICC Women’s ODI rankings. The latest rankings, released on Tuesday, show Mandhana overtaking South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt to become world No. 1 with 811 rating points. Wolvaardt is second with 806 points, while Australia’s Ashley Gardner is third with 738. Nat Sciver-Brunt is fourth with a rating of 714.
It is worth noting that Smriti was scheduled to marry singer Palash on November 23, and pre-wedding ceremonies had already taken place. However, on the morning of the wedding day, Smriti’s father, Srinivas Mandhana, suffered a heart attack and had to be hospitalized, prompting both families to postpone the wedding. The next day, Palash also fell ill and was admitted to hospital. After nearly three days of treatment, both were discharged. During this period, rumors surfaced that Palash was seen in close company with a choreographer during the wedding events. Eventually, the marriage was called off.
Now, Smriti is turning to cricket to heal from heartbreak and has returned to training with full focus. The T20 series against Sri Lanka begins towards the end of December, and that remains her immediate priority. This positive news about regaining the No. 1 ranking is bound to lift her spirits. Her 811 rating points remained unchanged this week, while Wolvaardt’s points dropped from 814 to 806 despite South Africa’s win over Ireland. Jemimah Rodrigues is placed tenth in the rankings with 658 rating points.
