Smriti Mandhana chose a moment of pure camaraderie and joy to let the world into her biggest personal milestone yet. In a lively social media reel shared with her closest teammates, the Indian vice-captain confirmed her engagement to music composer Palaash Muchhal, blending celebration, friendship and effortless charm into a single viral moment.
The viral clip captures Jemimah Rodrigues, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav and Arundhati Reddy joining Mandhana in a spirited dance set to “Samjho Ho Hi Gaya” from Lage Raho Munna Bhai, turning the moment into a cheerful little performance.
What began as light-hearted dancing built into a sweet reveal, with Mandhana in the final frame flashing her engagement ring—the gesture instantly settled weeks of speculation surrounding her relationship. The announcement arrived just a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s letter of congratulations, in which he also mentioned that the wedding is set for November 23, a detail the couple had not formally shared themselves.
Mandhana’s relationship with Palaash Muchhal began around 2019, and the two have often offered glimpses of their bond through shared pictures online. Earlier this month, Muchhal was in the stands at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, joining her on the field during India’s euphoric celebrations after the women’s team clinched their first-ever World Cup title with a win over South Africa.
The engagement comes at a moment when Mandhana’s cricketing stature has reached new heights. She closed the 2025 Women’s World Cup as the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer, finishing with 434 runs from nine matches, averaging 54.25 at a strike rate of 99.08, a campaign decorated with one century and two fifties. Her success, combined with India’s historic triumph, has amplified the nationwide affection surrounding her wedding news.
As preparations begin for the big day, the Indian women’s team finds itself on an extended break following their World Cup victory. Their home series against Bangladesh is reportedly postponed, meaning their next appearance will likely come during the 2026 Women’s Premier League, unless any alternative series is planned, before they embark on an all-format tour of Australia in February and March.
For now, the spotlight rests firmly on Mandhana and Muchhal, whose engagement announcement—captured not through a formal statement but through a dance, a smile and a ring—has set the tone for a wedding season filled with warmth, celebration and a nation’s admiration.
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