India's vice-captain overtakes legend Mithali Raj to top India's century-makers in ODIs. Smriti Mandhana has marked her name deeper into the records of Indian cricket history as she became India's leading ODI hundred-maker batter in women's cricket. By virtue of her latest masterclass at the crease, Mandhana achieved her 11th ODI century, surpassing erstwhile India captain and legend Mithali Raj, who had registered 7 centuries during her storied 211-match career. What adds more glory to Mandhana's achievement is the speed at which she has achieved this feat — within a mere 102 innings.

Popular for her poise and timing, Mandhana has been the pillar of India's leading order for almost a decade now. Since making her debut in 2013, she has demonstrated an unbelievable capacity to change her game according to conditions and opposition. Her recent century not only guided India to a dominant position in the current ODI tri-series in Sri Lanka but also reaffirmed her standing as one of the best batters in the contemporary game. The left-hander's aggressive-but-controlled approach has been compared to some of the greatest players to have ever played the sport.

Mithali Raj, the trailblazer of Indian women's cricket, dominated the record for the most centuries for more than a decade. Consistency and leadership by Raj constructed a platform for the present generation, but now it's Mandhana who is moving forward with the baton in style. The changeover from Raj to Mandhana reflects a change in strategy — from constructing long innings to playing more aggressively and with intent, an image of the change in women's cricket around the world.

MOST ODI HUNDREDS FOR INDIA IN WOMEN'S CRICKET:

Smriti Mandhana - 11* (102 innings).

Mithali Raj - 7 (211 innings).

- Smriti Mandhana is at a different level..!!!! ⭐ pic.twitter.com/eqinARTCj3

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) May 11, 2025

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A New Era of Indian Batting Supremacy

Mandhana's record-breaking achievement is greater than a personal milestone — it marks a change of guard. Her centuries frequently arrive in make-or-break games, under duress, and with panache.

With years on her side, she can be expected to extend this margin further and provide a template for generations to follow. As women's cricket draws more international focus, Mandhana remains the face of India's charge, bringing inspiration to tens of thousands of young girls right across the country.