The charismatic Indian opener and vice-captain, Smriti Mandhana, has been nominated for the prestigious ICC Women's Player of the Month for October 2025. Her dazzling performances were instrumental in powering India to their historic maiden Women's ODI World Cup Trophy.
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The 29-year-old batting sensation is in a three-way contest for the honour, competing with South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt and Australia’s dynamic all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner. Mandhana was the driving force at the top of the Indian batting order, forging a highly successful partnership with Pratika Rawal. After a slow start to the tournament, she quickly hit her stride.
A blistering 80 came against the seven-time champions, Australia. She followed that up with a combative 88 against England. In the crucial must-win game against New Zealand, Mandhana truly delivered, smashing a magnificent 109 and anchoring a match-winning 212-run stand with Rawal. She then ensured a solid foundation in the final against South Africa, scoring a vital 45 and sharing a century opening partnership with Shafali Verma. Her stellar run firmly established her as a pillar of the title-winning team.
Mandhana’s fellow nominees also produced unforgettable performances, primarily during the high-stakes World Cup.
The South Africa captain, Laura Wolvaardt, led her side from a humiliating 10-wicket opening loss to England all the way to the title showdown. Wolvaardt was the Proteas' rock, hitting a defining 70 against India in the league phase and solid half-centuries against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Her true greatness, however, was reserved for the knockouts. She smashed an "all-time great" World Cup knock of 169 in the semi-final against England. She followed that up with a spectacular 101 in the final against India. Despite her back-to-back centuries in both knockout games, a phenomenal, rare achievement, her valiant effort was not enough, as India's all-round superiority sealed the trophy.
The dynamic Aussie all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner made handsome contributions in virtually every game. She produced two centuries in wins, scoring 115 against New Zealand and an unbeaten 104 against England. Gardner's impactful month wasn't just limited to her explosive batting; her seven wickets demonstrated her value as a handy bowling asset, solidifying her place as one of the most complete players in the world.
