Smriti Mandhana’s leadership and batting prowess have solidified her as one of India’s highest-earning female cricketers by 2026.
As captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mandhana led the team to their first-ever WPL championship in 2024. With her consistent brilliance across formats, she currently holds the top position in the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings. Her on-field dominance has significantly boosted her financial standing, making her one of the wealthiest women cricketers in India. In the Women’s Premier League (WPL), the left-handed opener from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) became the most expensive signing in the 2023 auction, commanding INR 3.4 crore—a WPL record. She has also played in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and The Hundred, reportedly earning around INR 3 lakh and USD $75,000 respectively each season. Mandhana is a Grade A central contract holder with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Under this contract, she receives an annual retainer fee of INR 50 lakh. Additionally, she earns match fees of INR 15 lakh for Test matches, INR 6 lakh for ODIs, and INR 3 lakh for T20Is. Since her international debut in 2013, Mandhana has remained a key figure in India’s batting lineup, securing a top-tier spot in the BCCI’s women’s contract grades. Top 10 highest-paid cricketers by their National Boards At 29 years old, Mandhana ranks among the most sought-after athletes for brand endorsements. Following RCB Women’s historic WPL victory, her market value surged by 30%. She has partnered with a diverse portfolio of brands, including Hyundai, Red Bull, Nike, Hero Motocorp, Garnier, Mastercard, Havells, Gulf Oil India, Wrangler, PlayerzPot, Neem Ayu, PNB MetLife, Equitas Small Finance Bank, Rexona India, and Unicef India. She also represents Bata’s ‘Power’ sportswear line and the wellness brand Herbal Life. Reports suggest her endorsement income per deal ranges from INR 50 to INR 75 lakh. Shubman Gill vs Rishabh Pant: Brand value comparison Mandhana lives in her hometown of Sangli, Maharashtra, where she resides in a spacious and elegant house. The property boasts modern decor, a dedicated home theatre, a private gym, a well-stocked library, and a lush garden. A standout feature of the estate is a separate cottage that displays her extensive collection of trophies and accolades. She frequently visits this home with her family. Reports also indicate that she owns additional properties in Delhi and Mumbai. Additionally, Mandhana owns a café in Sangli named SM-18 Sports Café. Her garage houses a Maruti Suzuki Swift (INR 12 lakh), a Hyundai Creta (INR 21 lakh), and a Range Rover Evoque (INR 70 lakh). The Maruti Swift was her first car, purchased in 2015 and gifted to her father. Later, she bought a white Hyundai Creta for her brother. In an interesting aside, Mandhana has mentioned that her brother frequently advises her to purchase an Audi or BMW, though she has expressed a personal desire to own a van someday.