Average of 18 in World Cup 2025: Decoding Mandhana's vulnerable side in ODI cricket

Decoding Mandhana's poor form [Source: AFP Photo]

There were heavy expectations from Smriti Mandhana before the Women’s World Cup 2025, but three matches into the tournament, and she has failed to deliver the goods against weaker sides. Before the World Cup commenced, Mandhana was at the peak of her powers, as she had amassed 919 runs in the ODI matches.

But come the World Cup, and she has looked a pale shadow of her former self, who used to traumatise the opposition bowlers. It also won’t be an understatement to say that when the pressure is the highest, Mandhana fails most of the time.

Mandhana's overall ODI stats in 2025

If the overall data of 2025 is taken into consideration, then Mandhana has been exceptional with the bat and has won her team countless matches with her performances.

(Mandhana ODI stats in 2025)

• Almost 1000 ODI runs, with an average touching nearly 58, define Mandhana’s journey in 2025. She has been India’s best batter this year, and also has accumulated more centuries than fifties in the 50-overs format.
• The next highest run-getter in 2025 in ODIs is her teammate, Pratika Rawal, who has scored 773 runs in the same number of matches, and it showcases Mandhana’s brilliance that she has more than 200 runs while playing the same number of games.

However, this is where the catch is, and even though Mandhana has been a proven ODI performer in 2025, her World Cup stats tell a sorry state of affairs.

Mandhana's sorry state of affairs in World Cup 2025

(Mandhana in WC 2025)

• So far, her Women’s World Cup performances have been a let-down for her side, as she has only churned out 54 runs in three matches. Before the World Cup, she averaged nearly 60 in 2025, but in the ongoing marquee event, her average has been a mere 18.
• Moreover, the strike rate has also been an issue with the star opener scoring runs at just 72. Her downfall has been a major issue for the Indian team in the World Cup.

What has led to Mandhana's downfall in World Cup?

Crumbles under pressure: Even before the World Cup, expectations were high as Mandhana had a phenomenal year with the bat. However, in this tournament, she has crumbled under pressure due to the weight of expectations. Every time she walks to bat, people expect her to score runs, and this has led to her crumbling.

Whenever she walks out. to bat, the spotlight is on her, as experts and fans believe that she could replicate the same form in the World Cup that she showcased throughout 2025.

Plus, throughout the tournament, the opposition bowlers have bowled her in the wide channel, forcing her to play away from the body and it has led to countless dismissals.

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