Mumbai: For Smriti Mandhana, 2025 proved to be a defining year, both on and off the field.
On November 2, she became a part of history as the Indian women’s cricket team lifted an ICC World Cup trophy for the first time, a victory that filled the nation with pride. Smriti also rewrote her own record of most international runs in a calendar year (1,703) and became the first batter to aggregate over 1,000 runs in women’s ODIs (1,362).
On the personal front, Smriti’s life took a dramatic and unexpected turn. A seemingly fairytale romance was cut short as her much-anticipated wedding to music composer Palaash Muchhal, scheduled for November 23, was called off amid intense speculation.
As the year closed, Smriti shared a recap video on Instagram on December 31, highlighting her World Cup celebrations, family moments, and fitness routines. The post ended with a striking quote from the Bhagavad Gita:
“Before something great happens to you, everything falls apart. So just wait.” – Lord Krishna
The message quickly drew attention, with many interpreting it as a reflection of the emotional highs and lows she endured through the year.
On December 7, Smriti had addressed the swirling rumours through an Instagram Story. Confirming that the wedding was off, she wrote: “Over the past few weeks, there has been plenty of speculation around my life, and I feel it is important for me to speak out at this time… I need to clarify that the wedding is called off.”
She appealed for privacy, urging respect for both families as they processed the decision. In the same note, the Indian vice-captain reaffirmed her commitment to cricket. “I believe there is a higher purpose driving us all, and for me, that has always been representing my country at the highest level. I hope to continue to play and win trophies for India for as long as possible, and that is where my focus will forever be.”
Smriti and Muchhal’s relationship had been in the spotlight just weeks earlier, following a grand proposal at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium — the venue where she lifted the World Cup. Their pre-wedding festivities, including mehendi and sangeet ceremonies, were widely covered.
The wedding, set to take place in her hometown of Sangli, was postponed due to her father Shrinivas Mandhana’s hospitalisation. Soon after, allegations and speculation surrounding Muchhal intensified public scrutiny, culminating in both parties addressing the matter separately and closing the chapter.
