Smriti Mandhana is one of the most adored and impactful cricketers in the world at present. Her stylish batting, sense of timing, composure and huge fan following makes her a cricketing icon for the modern age. As both and on-and off-field identity she has her jersey number 18. Fans brandish it with pride, stadiums hail it and social media trends spike the instant she emerges in it.
But what is the story behind Smriti Mandhana jersey number? Why did she choose 18? How did it become so iconic? And how did it become a brand identity?
This article is all about Smriti Mandhana jersey number journey and her bio, career records and what women’s cricket reporting has become out of it.
Quick Bio: Smriti Mandhana
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Smriti Shriniwas Mandhana |
| Born | 18 July 1996 |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Role | Opening Batter |
| Batting Style | Left-Handed |
| Teams | India Women, RCB (WPL), Western Storm, Southern Brave |
| Smriti Mandhana Jersey Number | 18 |
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Who Is Smriti Mandhana?
The elegant left-hander and natural stroker Smriti Mandhana has been one of India’s most successful batters. She was raised in a cricket-infused family and watched her brother play domestic cricket, so she soon decided to take up the bat herself. “She rocketed up in cricket,” Ms. Martinez said. A shining star in the country’s domestic meets, she maintained a stable form and played for the national squad when she was very young.
She quickly established herself as the mainstay of India’s batting. Be it the ODIs, T20Is, Test matches or in WPL and foreign leagues – Mandhana is loved for her composure, control and calmness. Her personality also has her winning over countless young fans. Today, she’s not only a cricketer but also a global brand and Smriti Mandhana jersey number is an integral part of this identity.
The Secret of Smriti Mandhana Jersey Number
The Smriti Mandhana jersey number is 18, and the story behind this number is rather touching yet simple. Smriti has said it countless times that 18 holds a special meaning to her personally. It was a hugely transformative time in her life. At 18, she had a lot of personal and professional growth. She started to take her cricket more seriously and her personal story that circumvents life as an aspiring cricketer in Pakistan, is one of self-motivation and maturity.
It was the emotional response that led her to pick the number. And, over the years, the habit would increase from a personal preference to an emblem of her identity. Fans remember 18 for her poise, her batting class and calm demeanour. Despite it also being Virat Kohli’s jersey, 18 is also something very personal for Smriti and not just based on someone she looks up to.
Why Number 18 Feels Special
- It signifies her stage of transition and maturity
- It makes her feel sexy and secure
- It’s one fans can easily remember and identify with
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IPL / WPL Smriti Mandhana Jersey Number
Became the face of the Women’s Premier League after RCB made her the costliest player in first auction – Smriti Mandhana Of course, she still wears the jersey number 18 of Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Pretty soon, her RCB jersey became the highest-selling women’s cricket jersey in India. During WPL games, stadiums in Bengaluru wear the colours of red and gold Mandhana 18 shirts. The number links both the men’s and women’s RCB teams, fostering a strong relationship between fans and the franchise.
Her WPL experience has also benefitted her brand value as, even now, nearly every marketing shoot/commercial/promo poster/etc. has her jersey number on it somewhere.
Why Smriti Mandhana Jersey No. 18 is Special?
Every athlete has one that’s symbolic of who they are. “I wear number 18 because it is a part of my journey, for me the number signifies my start and emotionally connects with me when I started playing for India,” Mandhana said.
The number feels youthful. It feels energetic. It feels inspiring. Seeing her walk out in the number is a neat and meaningful connection to fans’ own, early memories of her story. Each time she plays a cover drive or pulls a fast bowler, the figure lights up her back like a reminder of how far she has traveled.
Few of the reasons fans think 18 is special:
- It’s straightforward and easy to remember.”
- It stands out on jerseys visually
- It also fits perfectly with her quiet demeanor
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The Attachment to the Figure & Why It Makes a Difference
For Smriti Mandhana, jersey number 18 is not just a randomly chosen number; it is part of the emotional DNA of her career. She is at one with this spirit, and it mirrors her own persona — quiet, mindful, graceful, but strong as needed.
Fans feel invested in the number, too. It’s nothing to see a little girl in the nets at cricket academies wearing 18 on her T-shirt. For many, it’s a mark of courage and inspiration. The fact that it is Mandhana’s, well, number has now become a badge of honour amongst the supporters of women’s cricket in India.
The figure also reinforces her brand. From endorsements to posters to commercials to merchandise, the jersey number is everywhere.
Jersey Number18 be Retired in Indian Cricket?
Cricket doesn’t retire numbers of jerseys, but the concept is already creeping into fan chatter. Smriti Mandhana may be young, but her contribution to women’s cricket is historic. If she keeps smashing records, guiding India to big wins and inspiring generations, then her No. 18 could one day reach legendary levels according to fans.
Even if it’s not officially retired, the number will be forever linked with her name. The way 10 makes home fans remember Tendulkar — even without having ceremoniously retired — for some time now, some cricket aficionados will always associate the number 18 with Smriti Mandhana’s greatness.
Jersey Number 18: Trending Everywhere
Some days “Mandhana 18″ trends more than match-result hashtags. Smriti Mandhana jersey number is on the rise surely in big innings, photoshoots, WPL matches, ICC tournaments and also in the brand campaigns.
You see the number in fan edits, reels, wallpapers and social media challenges. It has since become a cultural icon, particularly with Gen Z cricket fans, who find her jersey stylish and classy and say it gives them the energy to seize the day.
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Smriti Mandhana stats when playing in Jersey Number 18
Smriti Mandhana has played some of her best innings in the jersey No. She has hundreds in England and Australia, she’s dominated T20 leagues and she’s won countless ICC awards wearing the number on her back.
Her ODI centuries, Test hundred in Australia, WPL fifties and fastest milestones have all been streamed this jersey number 18 period. Fans seem to have strong belief about her on-court playing style when she wears this number. For her cricketing journey, it has turned into a lucky charm now.
Fans’ Pride: Smriti Mandhana & Her All-Time Favourite Jersey Number
The emotional connect fans have with the Smriti Mandhana jersey number is unparalleled in women’s cricket. And it has turned a number into a symbol of hope, of encouragement, of empowerment.
She knows she has made her mark on India’s sports culture when “thousands of fans are wearing my jersey in the stadium.” Wearing the number 18, for many, is not only about supporting a player it’s also having faith in Smriti’s dream.
Smriti Mandhana jersey number represents women empowerment, modern day cricket culture and the growing tribe of female athletes from a land that once largely used to revel only in men’s cricket.
Latest update On Smriti Mandhana (2025 – Updated)
Smriti Mandhana has lately been in the news, not just for her cricket but due to a surprising turn of events in her personal life. Her father fell critically ill, causing cancellation for her November 2025 wedding. The event was completely planned and about to happen, when a day or two before the ceremony her father was hospitalised and both families decided to at once postpone the wedding.
The good news is, the coparent’s father is doing well and has been released from the hospital. The update was a relief to fans who had been concerned about his health. But for all his recovery, a new wedding date has so far not been set and both families are keeping schtum about their future plans.
Also what made headline was Smriti Mandhana clearing all pre-wedding posts from her social media profile. This has led to online rumors going around, but from all accounts, the delay was because of her father’s health related issue and not a personal falling apart.
Meanwhile, Smriti has emerged as the one of most talked about cricketers. She continues to be a significant presence for RCB in the WPL, is still endorsing brands and taking part in initiatives supporting young female cricketers. Her name was also getting mentioned in WPL 2026 updates and some media dialogues pertaining growth of women’s cricket.
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FAQs: Smriti Mandhana Jersey Number
What is Smriti Mandhana’s shirt number?
Smriti Mandhana jersey number is 18.
Why did she choose number 18?
Since it was major turning point of her life when she achieved maturity personally and professionally.
Does she really wear 18 in WPL too?
Yes, she wears 18 for RCB in the Women’s Premier League.
Does the number have something to do with Virat Kohli?
Partly yes, but the reason is that simple and deeply personal in its own right.
Will No. 18 be retired in women’s cricket?
Not technically, but it’s emotional iconography enough for consideration in the future.
Conclusion
One of the well recognised numbers in women’s cricket, even though it is modern now, is probably the Smriti Mandhana Jersey number 18. And so it would become a symbol that started off as personal preference and went on to represent the nation at large grace, tranquility, fearless cricket and inspiration.
Each time she takes the field with a No. 18 on her chest, fans are reminded of that path, her growth and her impact. For the youngsters, it’s a reminder that they can also come through and dream big to conquer the cricketing world.
Smriti Mandhana and her jersey number are more than linked — they are synonymous. And as her career ascends, that number 18 will only glisten.
Want to explore more jersey-related stories? Read our detailed guide on Bowlingspeed to know other Indian cricket legends and their iconic numbers.
