Smriti Mandhana’s life has entered a beautifully celebratory phase, with her engagement to music composer Palaash Muchhal drawing admiration from fans, teammates and now the country’s Prime Minister. The news arrives at a moment when Mandhana is already riding a historic high, fresh from leading India’s batting charts during their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup triumph. The personal and professional milestones have blended into one vibrant chapter for the star opener.
Hours before Prime Minister Modi’s letter, Mandhana confirmed her engagement in her own effortless, light-hearted style. She appeared in a joyful reel with Jemimah Rodrigues, Shreyanka Patil, Arundhati Reddy and Radha Yadav, dancing to “Samjho Ho Hi Gaya” from Lage Raho Munna Bhai. In the final frame, she flashed her engagement ring—ending weeks of speculation that had surrounded the couple. PM Modi’s wishes added an extra layer of warmth, and his message also noted that the wedding is set for November 23, a detail not yet publicly announced by the couple themselves.
With the engagement now celebrated nationwide, the Prime Minister’s first line of blessings came through with a gentle, thoughtful tone that spoke of companionship and shared strength, “Walking hand in hand through every season of life, may the couple find strength in each other’s presence and their hearts, minds and souls be in harmony. May their dreams intertwine and grow together, guiding them toward a future filled with joy and deep understanding.”
He followed this with a poetic comparison, linking Mandhana’s batting artistry with Muchhal’s musical craft in a way that captured the essence of their two worlds coming together, “As they start a new, beautiful life together, the grace of Smriti’s cover drive meets the lilting musical symphony of Palaash in a wonderful partnership.”
His final message carried a playful affection, referring to a special celebratory match planned between both families—an endearing nod to Mandhana’s cricketing life blending with the wedding festivities, “It is fitting that a Celebration Cricket Match has been scheduled between Team Groom and Team Bride! May both these teams win in the game of life. I send my blessings to the couple for the momentous occasion.”
Her wedding arrives at a time when her cricketing influence is at its peak. She recently finished the 2025 Women’s World Cup as the second-highest run-scorer, amassing 434 runs from nine matches at an average of 54.25 and a strike rate of 99.08, including one century and two fifties.
The relevance of these numbers becomes clearer when placed against the larger canvas of her career. Since her ODI debut in 2013, Mandhana has compiled 5,322 runs in 117 matches, with a total of 14 hundreds—a record that defines consistency at the top. Her T20I journey is equally commanding, with 3,982 runs in 153 matches at a strike rate of 123.97, while her Test career—629 runs in seven matches at 57.18—remains one of the strongest statistical beginnings for an Indian woman in the format.
As the countdown to November 23 begins, Mandhana and Muchhal now stand at the intersection of personal joy and public admiration. The engagement has sparked celebrations across the country, and with the Prime Minister’s heartfelt wishes added to the moment, the couple steps into their new phase of life with warmth, blessings and excitement surrounding every step.
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