It has been a year of dreams for Smriti Mandhana, on the field and, if reports are to be believed, off it too.
The 29-year-old Indian vice-captain, who steered her nation to a historic maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title earlier this month, now finds herself at the centre of an entirely different celebration, the rumoured wedding to music composer-filmmaker Palash Muchhal. As whispers grow louder of a November 20 ceremony, fans are revelling in what seems to be a perfect culmination to her glittering year.
Mandhana’s artistry with the bat has long embodied the grace and power of India’s modern cricket. Her elegant drives through cover are more than strokes of timing; they are statements of composure and class. In 2025, she took her game to another level, becoming the first player in women’s ODI history to surpass 1,000 runs in a calendar year at a strike rate above 100.
Her tally of 1,362 runs at 109.92, averaging 61.90 with five centuries and five half-centuries in 23 innings, redefined consistency in the format. These numbers not only crowned her India’s leading run-scorer but also placed her second overall in the 13th ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 30 September to 2 November 2025.
At the heart of India’s title triumph at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium was Smriti’s luminous presence, anchoring tall chases, dominating bowling attacks, and inspiring a nation alongside captain Harmanpreet Kaur and head coach Amol Muzumdar. Her contribution sealed her legacy as more than just a stylish opener; she became the face of India’s fearless pursuit of excellence in women’s cricket. With 5,322 ODI runs in 117 matches, she now stands second only to Mithali Raj in India’s all-time charts.
But as Mandhana’s professional milestones reached new heights, her personal life too seems to be entering a new chapter. The buzz surrounding her relationship with Palash Muchhal, younger brother of singer Palak Muchhal, has swelled into a nationwide fascination. The duo, reportedly together since 2019, kept their bond discreet until July 2024, when an Instagram post made things official. Though neither has formally confirmed any wedding plans.
Speculation reignited when Barsha Gogoi, casting director of Palash’s film Ardh, shared alongside the teasing caption, “Hello, hello Bhaisaab @palash_muchhal. Let’s get you MARRIEDDDDD.” Palash responded with a red-heart emoji, sending social media into overdrive. Soon after, an alleged wedding invitation began circulating online, claiming that the two were set to tie the knot on November 20.
Fuel was further added in October when Palash, speaking at a state press club event, remarked cryptically, “She will soon become the daughter-in-law of Indore, that’s all I want to say.” The comment, followed by a smile, had fans certain that the long-rumoured wedding was indeed on the horizon. Sources close to the pair suggest the couple has been planning the event quietly, intending to make an official announcement only after the cricket season winds up.
Palash, known for directing Ardh and producing music with a poetic touch, has not shied away from showcasing his support for India’s World Cup-winning campaign. His social media posts from the DY Patil Stadium stand as a collage of pride, selfies with Smriti holding the trophy, captions reading, “Am I still dreaming?” and even a glimpse of his ‘SM18’ tattoo, a tribute to her initials and jersey number. The images effortlessly blend fandom with affection, drawing endearing reactions from cricket lovers across the country.
As India continues to celebrate its newest world champions, Smriti Mandhana’s story seems to have entered a golden phase that transcends the boundary ropes. Whether or not the November 20 wedding rumours hold true, the year 2025 will be remembered as one when Mandhana’s bat defined sporting excellence and her heart found its rhythm in tune with Palash’s music.
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