After creating history with India’s maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup triumph at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is preparing to embark on a new chapter off the field. The stylish left-handed batter is set to marry music composer and filmmaker Palash Muchhal, with the wedding ceremony scheduled for this week.
Ahead of the ceremony, Mandhana confirmed the news with a viral dance reel posted on Thursday. India’s vice-captain performed alongside her World Cup-winning teammates, prominently displaying her engagement ring throughout the video.
Set to the Bollywood track “Samjho Ho Hi Gaya,” the reel quickly went viral, with fans inundating the comments section with congratulatory messages for Mandhana. While the video featured only a handful of India’s World Cup stars, several more are expected to join the celebrations throughout the weekend.
Smriti and Palash’s romance has consistently captured hearts online. The couple reportedly began dating in 2019 and publicly confirmed their relationship in July 2024 with a heartfelt Instagram post marking their fifth anniversary.
According to a wedding invitation that has circulated widely on social media, the couple will tie the knot on November 23 in Sangli. As previously reported by Anand Bazar Patrika, the event is expected to unite the worlds of cricket and music, with both families preparing for an intimate yet grand celebration.
Rodrigues takes WBBL break for Mandhana’s wedding
Given that her closest friend is getting married, Rodrigues has secured leave from the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) to attend the festivities in Sangli. India’s semi-final hero Jemimah arrived in Mumbai earlier this week and will only return to Australia after the wedding. Cricket Australia has officially confirmed her absence from the WBBL.
“Rodrigues meanwhile will miss both Friday and Sunday’s games at Allan Border Field, having flown home with pre-arranged commitments in India, and will return to Australia early next week. Experienced English batter Lauren Winfield-Hill has replaced Rodrigues for the weekend’s matches,” according to cricket.com.au.