Smriti Mandhana has become the first No. 1 ODI batter in the Women’s World Cup 2025, but lost the position to Laura Wolvaardt of South Africa. Mandhana, who had been in fine form all through the tournament and had 434 runs, lost his position to second place with 811 rating points. The spectacular campaign in the World Cup saw Wolvaardt rise to the top of the ranking with a total of 571 runs and Century in semi-finals and final boosting her rating to 814 points.
The other grand positive to India was that of Jemimah Rodrigues who rose into the top 10 in the ICC ODI batting ranking for the first time. Her 127 in the semifinal against Australia that she made without being beaten, as well as her steady run-making during the tournament, helped India to win her maiden world cup. The emergence of Jemimah is indicative of her increase in maturity and dependability in the medium-end in India.
Shree Charani made progress up the bowlling front, gaining seven places to 23rd place following good performance in the knockout matches as she took important wickets. In the meantime, Deepti Sharma, named Player of the Tournament, gained on all-rounders, passing 392 points to Australia’s Annabel Sutherland. Deepti’s proficiency in all aspects, including scoring valuable runs and taking wickets under pressure was one of the pillars of the winning campaign of India in the World Cup.
Smriti Mandhana reflects on India’s unity after Women’s World Cup 2025 triumph
Mandhana expressed gratitude to fans for their unwavering support over the last month in an interview with the broadcasters following the victory. She also noted that their prior World Cup disappointments only fueled their determination. She stated, as reported by IANS:
“Every World Cup we’ve gone into, there have been so many heartbreaks for all of us. However, we always believed that we had a greater responsibility – not just to win, but to continue growing women’s cricket. And honestly, just look at the support we’ve had over the last month and a half. It’s been incredible. To finally lift the World Cup today – I’ll take those 45 sleepless nights any day for this moment. That last World Cup was definitely tough for all of us to take. But after that, we had a clear focus – to get fitter, stronger, and better in every area.”
Mandhana also highlighted the positive atmosphere in the locker room as a key aspect in their success.
“And honestly, what’s special about this team – and no one really talks about it – is how much we stuck together. Everyone supported each other, through good days and bad. We genuinely celebrated each other’s success. The team environment this time… it was just so positive, so connected. That’s been the biggest difference, I think,” she concluded.
Shafali Verma was named Player of the Match in the final after scoring 87 runs and taking two wickets in seven overs.
