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India's star batter Smriti Mandhana has reclaimed the No. 1 position in the ICC Women's ODI Batting Rankings, ending a five-year gap since she last held the top spot in 2019. The graceful left-hander overtook England's Nat Sciver-Brunt and South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt, who are now tied for second place with 717 rating points, with 727 rating points.
This ascent marks a significant moment in Mandhana's career, reaffirming her as one of the most dependable and dangerous batters in the women's game. Her recent form in India's tri-series against South Africa and Sri Lanka proved pivotal — scoring a fluent 51 against South Africa and then a match-winning 116 against Sri Lanka in the final. These performances helped her leapfrog Wolvaardt, whose dip in form led to a drop of 19 rating points.
South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt, the previous holder of the top ranking, has had a quiet run with the bat lately. In five ODI matches in 2025, she has averaged just 28.20 with a best of 43. Her recent scores of 27 and 28 in the ongoing series against the West Indies significantly dented her rating, allowing Mandhana to capitalize.
Mandhana's return to the summit is a reflection of her resilience and big-match temperament. It also makes her the only Indian currently ranked in the ICC's top 10 ODI batters, with teammates Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur placed 15th and 16th, respectively.
While the top of the ODI bowling charts remains unchanged with England's Sophie Ecclestone firmly in the lead, West Indies spinner Afy Fletcher made a significant leap. Her four-wicket haul against South Africa lifted her four places to 19th overall — her best ranking in recent times.
South Africa's Nonkululeko Mlaba and Chloe Tryon also climbed the rankings. Mlaba jumped six places to 23rd among bowlers and improved to 35th in the all-rounder standings after a standout four-wicket haul in the second ODI.
There was no change at the top of the all-rounder rankings. Australia's Ashleigh Gardner continues to lead the list, followed by West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews and South Africa's Marizanne Kapp. New Zealand's Sophie Devine, who recently announced her retirement from ODIs after the upcoming Women's World Cup, holds the ninth spot among allrounders and sits 13th among batters.
In addition to honoring her individual genius, Smriti Mandhana's comeback to the top will rove to be a welcome boost for India's women's team as they prepare for a busy international schedule that includes the ICC Women's World Cup later this year.
Mandhana's ascent back to the top of the ODI rankings is a testament to India's increasing dominance in women's cricket as well as a personal achievement. Her play and leadership at the top of the order could be vital to India's chances of winning the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, which is on the way. Everyone is looking to Mandhana to continue her incredible run and lead India's charge on the international scene as the countdown to the main event gets underway.
