The leading Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues gave off a very charming and playful vibe during her presence at the cricket event United in Triumph which was also a great surprise for the guests in Mumbai. Reliance Industry, the event sponsor, had the evening show where Jemimah went a step further into the spotlight not holding a bat but a microphone instead.

From Cover Drives to Chords: Jemimah Rodrigues Wins Hearts with Her Musical Magic

The Indian top-order batter who is famous for her fearless stroke play and contagious energy on the field completely mesmerized the audience with her soulful musical act. Jemimah sang a medley that included the uplifting song Aashayein from the film Iqbal, thereby immediately getting the audience to feel the same way that she did. Her charismatic presence on stage combined with her beautiful voice received loud and warm applause. Many people in the audience were impressed by her smooth and skillful change from a sports person to a singer.

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Though fans have seen from time to time Jemimah's love for music through social media in the form of her singing covers or playing the guitar, this was one of her most noticeable public performances. The instant was a chance to see her off-field character in a new light showcasing a talent that is a perfect match for her fierce competitiveness.

Watch the video:

Indian Women's Team batting sensation Jemimah Rodrigues showed off her artistic side with a musical medley at the #UnitedinTriumph event. pic.twitter.com/U1e3Lq4wFi

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) January 7, 2026

Beyond the Pitch: Jemimah Rodrigues Strikes the Right Note with Music and Meaning

The performance was made even more important by the presence of several distinguished guests from business, sports, and entertainment. The United in Triumph kind of events are meant to showcase and celebrate the best, bring everyone together, and inspire; and Jemimah’s performance went right along with that.

Jemimah Rodrigues has been one of the mainstays of Indian women’s cricket, with the Indian women’s team often winning adventures in significant ICC tournaments and franchise leagues because of her contributions. Nevertheless, this musical performance reminded the fans that elite sportsmen and women have often other loves to pursue besides their sports.

Fans on the internet really connected with Jemimah’s performance and praised her for her versatility and authenticity. It was a soft reminder that there was a lovely girl supporting art, happiness, and self-expression behind the helmet and game face who was energizing fans on and off the pitch.

India’s rising star Shafali Verma is edging closer to reclaiming the No.1 spot in the ICC Women’s T20I Batter Rankings after a stunning run of form in the ongoing home series against Sri Lanka. The 21-year-old has climbed four places to sixth in the latest rankings update, underlining her return to peak confidence and consistency.

Shafali Verma’s blistering run puts world No.1 ranking firmly within reach

Shafali’s surge has been powered by a dominant display at the top of the order. She has piled up 236 runs in the series so far, comfortably leading the charts and nearly doubling the tally of India’s next-best scorer. Back-to-back scores of 69*, 79* and 79 across the second, third and fourth T20Is have showcased her fearless strokeplay and improved shot selection, hallmarks of the form that once made her the world’s top-ranked T20I batter in 2020.

The young opener now sits just 60 rating points behind current No.1 Beth Mooney, making a return to the summit a realistic target if her purple patch continues. Importantly, Shafali has carried her momentum seamlessly from the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, where she played a decisive role in India’s historic title win, into the shortest format.

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India bowlers surge in latest ICC rankings ahead of T20 World Cup push

India’s gains are not limited to batting. New-ball spearhead Renuka Singh Thakur has also enjoyed a major rise, jumping eight places to joint sixth in the T20I bowling rankings. Her match-winning spell of 4 for 21 in the third T20I proved pivotal in sealing the series and highlighted her value with the swinging new ball.

There have been further positives for the hosts, with left-arm spinner Shree Charani climbing 17 places after a consistent run of wickets, while all-rounder Deepti Sharma continues to hold onto the No.1 position among T20I bowlers.

With India leading the series 4–0 and one match still to play, the rankings rise reflects a side brimming with confidence as preparations begin in earnest for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup.

It has been just over a month since India Women won their historic title in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, marking their first ICC title. In this regard, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a significant step in Indian women's domestic cricket.

Now, the BCCI has set the equal payment structures in domestic men's and women's cricket by significantly raising the domestic women's cricket payments. 

See Also: KSCA approaches Karnataka government to restart cricket at Chinnaswamy stadium

Payment rising for domestic senior and junior women's cricket

As per the revised pay structure, the senior women's domestic one-day and multi-day games payment will be INR 50,000 per day for every playing XI member. Meanwhile, every non-playing XI member is set to earn INR 25,000 per match. In the meantime, for the domestic T20 format, the payment structure will be INR 25,000 per match for every playing XI member and INR 12,500 per match for every non-playing XI member.

Before the revised pay structure, every playing XI member is earning INR 20,000 per day, and every non-playing XI member is earning INR 10,000 per day. 

On the other hand, in junior women's cricket, the current pay structure is INR 10,000 per day for every playing XI member and INR 5,000 per day for every non-playing XI member. 

However, now the junior women's cricketers will also enjoy the highest payment structure. For junior women's tournaments, each of the playing XI members will earn INR 25,000 per day, and each of the reserves will earn INR 12,500 per day. Meanwhile, the T20 cricket payment structure will be INR 12,500 per match for every playing XI member, and INR 6,250 per match for every non-playing XI member. 

Payments will rise also for the umpires and match referees

On the other hand, the Apex Council has also suggested the revised pay structures for the domestic umpires and match referees.

For the domestic umpires and match referees, the revised pay structure claims that the umpires will earn INR 40,000 per day in the league stages of any tournament, while the payment will rise upto INR 50,000-60,000 per day in the knockout stages, depending on the tournament and match status. 

India Women have taken a comfortable 1-0 lead in the five-match home Women's T20I series against Sri Lanka Women after claiming an eight-wicket victory at Visakhapatnam on Sunday night (December 21).

After the Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss, she sent the visitors to bat first. While Sri Lanka Women were restricted to 121/6 in 20 overs, India Women chased down the target in 14.4 overs after losing only two wickets. The hosts won the series opener by eight wickets with 32 balls remaining. 

Sri Lanka Women batters failed against disciplined Indian bowlers

Sri Lanka Women didn't get a strong start, as they managed to score 31/1 at the end of the powerplay. The situation was never improved despite the Indian fielders dropping high-catch chances.  The entire Sri Lankan innings experienced only nine fours and one six, while the Player of the Match Jemaimah Rodrigues hit 10 fours in the chase. 

Among the Lankan batters, only Vishmi Gunaratne (35), Hasini Perera (20), and Harshitha Samarawickrama (21) managed to reach the 20-run mark. The Indian bowlers were very disciplined. Deepti Sharma (1/20), Kranti Gaud (1/23), and Shree Charani (1/30) were the wicket-takers for India Women. 

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Jemaimah Rodrigues played powerful knock for comfortable chase

In reply, although the opener Shafali Verma (9) was dismissed cheaply after hitting two fours, the chase was never uncomfortable for the hosts. Another opener Smriti Mandhana scored a run-a-ball 25 runs, while she also became the second batter, after New Zealand legend Suzie Bates, to complete 4000 runs in Women's T20I history. 

While Jemimah Rodrigues scored 69 not out off 44 balls, captain Harmanpreet Kaur scored 15 not out off 16 balls, as the hosts chased down the target before completion of the 15th over. 

Among the visiting bowlers, only Kawya Kavindi (1/20) and Inoka Ranaweera (1/17) got wickets. 

The latest Women’s ODI World Cup winners India Women are preparing to begin their new era, as they are set to host Sri Lanka for a five-match Women’s T20I series, the beginning of a preparation for next year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Two teenagers, who were the heroes for the India Women U19 team to win the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 early this year, have earned their maiden senior national team call-ups. 

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India Women will play five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka Women

India will host a five-match Women’s T20I series against Sri Lanka Women between December 21 and 30. Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam will host the first two fixtures on December 21 and 23. Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram will host the next three games on December 26, 28, and 30. 

Harmanpreet Kaur is ready to lead the Indian side, while Smriti Mandhana will continue her deputy leadership role. From their last T20I series campaign in the English tour, Radha Yadav, Yastika Bhatia, and Sayali Satghare have been excluded from the Indian squad. 

Gunalan Kamalini and Vaishnavi Sharma earn maiden call-ups

The 17-year-old wicketkeeper Gunalan Kamalini and the 19-year-old left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma have earned their maiden senior national team call-ups. Both played important roles for India Women’s U19 team to win the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025. While Vaishnavi finished as the leading wicket-taker in that tournament with 17 wickets, Kamalini was the third leading run-scorer in that tournament with 143 runs in seven games, including two half-centuries. 

India Women's complete squad for five-match home T20I series against Sri Lanka Women

Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Harleen Deol, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Richa Ghosh (wk), Gunalan Kamalini (wk), N Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma.

Fresh off India’s historic Women’s World Cup triumph, star opener Smriti Mandhana is shining both on and off the field. The 29-year-old cricket icon is reportedly set to tie the knot with music composer and filmmaker Palash Muchhal on November 23, turning their union into one of the most anticipated celebrity weddings of the year.

The excitement surrounding the couple intensified after a recent viral photograph showed Palash proudly holding the World Cup trophy beside Mandhana. Fans called it the “perfect pre-wedding gift,” applauding Palash for celebrating his fiancée’s monumental achievement. Social media quickly turned into a celebration zone with messages cheering on their love story.

Adding to the buzz, Mandhana delighted fans with a playful video featuring her World Cup-winning teammates Jemimah Rodrigues, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy and Shreyanka Patil. The cricketers danced together to the hit track Samjho Ho Hi Gaya, capturing the joy and camaraderie within the squad. The video ended with Mandhana revealing a sparkling engagement ring, an unmistakable sign that festivities have officially begun.

PM Narendra Modi sends heartfelt wishes as he congratulates music composer & Filmmaker Palash Muchhal and vice Captain of the Indian women's cricket team Smriti Mandhana on their wedding. ✨❤️ pic.twitter.com/TFXVca5teA

— Tellychakkar.com (@tellychakkar) November 20, 2025

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Love, music and cricket come together as Smriti Mandhana prepares for her biggest off-field milestone

Palash Muchhal, 30, is a rising name in the Indian entertainment industry. Younger brother of noted playback singer Palak Muchhal, he has composed more than 40 music videos for major labels and directed the web series Rickshaw. He is also working on his film project Ardh, starring Rajpal Yadav and Rubina Dilaik. His career began early with a role in Ashutosh Gowariker’s Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey.

Meanwhile, Mandhana continues to scale new heights in world cricket. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain remains the most expensive signing in Women’s Premier League history and is celebrated globally for her consistency and leadership.

Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined in the celebrations, sending heartfelt wishes to the couple and their families. His congratulatory note highlighted their achievements and expressed hope for a joyful, inspiring future together.

With wedding anticipation soaring and celebrations already underway, fans eagerly await November 23, when cricket’s beloved cover-drive queen begins a new innings in life.

Indian cricket star and World Cup winner Smriti Mandhana has finally put the engagement rumours to rest – and in a style perfectly matching her cheerful personality. On Thursday, November 20, Mandhana shared a light-hearted Instagram reel with India teammates Jemimah Rodrigues, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil and Arundhati Reddy, confirming the happy news that fans had been waiting for.

In the now-viral video, the group grooves to the popular track “Samjho Ho Hi Gaya” from Lage Raho Munna Bhai, before Mandhana reveals her sparkling diamond ring to the camera. The fun reveal instantly won the internet, with supporters calling it the “cutest thing on the internet today”. Even fellow cricketers joined the celebration in the comments, congratulating the vice-captain on her big moment.

Love, Cricket and Celebrations: Mandhana Steps Into a Special Milestone

The engagement comes after weeks of speculation surrounding her relationship with music composer and filmmaker Palash Muchhal. Last month, Palash had cheekily hinted at their future while attending an event in Indore, saying, “She will soon become the daughter-in-law of Indore... that’s all I want to say,” fueling excitement among fans.

The couple, admired for keeping their personal life low-key, has reportedly been together since 2019. Their love story blossomed through shared interests in cricket and music, and Palash has often been spotted in the stands, supporting Mandhana during major matches. They made their relationship public only in 2024, choosing to let their journey speak for itself rather than media attention.

ALSO SEE: 5 most controversial moments in Ashes history that shocked the cricketing world

Watch the video:

🚨Smriti Mandhana is now engaged💍

She is getting married soon.... pic.twitter.com/LOyDfpe21h

— Mention Cricket (@MentionCricket) November 20, 2025

With India recently lifting their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup trophy after a memorable win over South Africa, festivities have only intensified. Mandhana was a standout performer throughout the tournament, topping India’s scoring charts with 434 runs in nine innings, including a crucial 45 in the final.

According to reports, the couple has already begun pre-wedding ceremonies in Indore, hosted by the Muchhal family. A viral wedding invite circulating online suggests the big day will take place on November 23, with celebrations expected in both Indore and Mandhana’s hometown, Sangli.

As India continues to celebrate its cricketing hero, fans now have another reason to cheer, the beginning of a beautiful new chapter in Smriti Mandhana’s life.

The Bangladesh women’s team captain, Nigar Sultana, has created a new controversy by dragging the Indian Women’s World Cup-winning captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, by taking a sharp dig. Her comments came while responding to the former pacer Jahanara Alam’s claims that she had hit and misbehaved with the junior players in the national team. 

Sultana denied the allegations and used the moment to reference Harmanpreet’s infamous 2023 outburst during the Indian side’s trip to Bangladesh, where the Indian captain smashed the stumps with her bat after a leg before the wicket decision and publicly criticized the umpires, triggering a major controversy.

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“Why would I hit anyone? I mean, why would I strike the stumps with my bat? Am I Harmanpreet, that I would go around hitting the stumps like that? Why would I do it? In my personal space, if I’m cooking or something, I might bang my bat around, I might hit my helmet — that’s my own business. But why would I do something like that to someone else? Why would I get physical? Just because someone says so?” Joty expressed in an interview with Daily Cricket.

Bangladesh captain slams Harmanpreet Kaur to create new controversy

In an old interview, it was claimed that the junior players were called to be beaten by Sultana, but the Bangladesh captain said that if that was the case, the players would have approached the team management. India recently earned the Women’s World Cup 2025 by beating South Africa in the final at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

“The way I’ve been described in front of everyone — I’m not that kind of girl at all. First, I heard that Jahanara apu has made an allegation about me, saying that someone called her in Australia and said, ‘Please save us, Jyoti apu is beating us and finishing us off.” Joty added.

“What I’m trying to say is: someone who hasn’t been here for six or seven years and has gone off to Australia — if I really beat someone or harmed someone in any way, is there no team management, no manager, no coaching staff? Am I the ultimate authority then?” Bangladesh captain shed light.

Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur received a grand welcome at Velammal Nexus School in Chennai after leading India to their first-ever Women’s World Cup title in 2025. A video shared by ANI showed her entering the school with loud cheers all around. She also cut a cake to celebrate India’s historic victory.

Harmanpreet made history by becoming the first captain of the Indian women’s cricket team to win a World Cup in any format. India defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the final of the 50-over World Cup at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. India delivered two outstanding performances against a very strong Australia and South Africa to win the trophy in the World Cup Final.

The Indian captain also batted well during the tournament, amassing 260 runs in nine matches at an average of 32.50 and a strike rate of 89.04. One of her most important knocks came in the semi-final against Australia; she scored 89 runs. This helped India successfully chase 339 runs and enter the final by defeating the defending champions.

Harmanpreet Felicitated in Chennai; Talks About Changing View of Women’s Cricket

At the school, Harmanpreet was welcomed with traditional dhol beats and was presented with a huge garland. She even joined a short practice session with young girls, inspiring them with her presence. After the welcome, she took part in a Q&A session with students. During the interaction, she said she was happy that people no longer compare men’s and women’s cricket. She added that high viewership and full stadiums for women’s matches made her proud. “It is good to see that now people only talk about cricket without comparing. Now everyone enjoys and the viewership is high; stadiums are full. It is a proud moment,” she said, as quoted by ANI.

Watch the video here

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu | Harmanpreet Kaur, the Captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team, arrives at Velammal Nexus School in Chennai, where she will be felicitated for her remarkable achievement in winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. pic.twitter.com/SnDJQYjtWu

— ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2025

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India’s 2025 World Cup win was very special because it was their first title and came on home soil. The team had a tough journey, winning the first two matches but then losing three in a row. They rebounded with a massive victory over New Zealand, progressing to the semi-final, where an excellent innings by Jemimah Rodrigues saw India chase 339 against Australia. In the final, solid starts from Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Varma helped India set a target of 299. Despite Laura Wolvaardt’s century for South Africa, India held their nerve and bowled them out for 246, winning the match by 52 runs.

After leading India to a historic Women’s World Cup victory, captain Harmanpreet Kaur is all set to be honored by the Punjab government. However, instead of a promotion to Superintendent of Police (SP), she will receive a cash prize for her remarkable achievement.

The Punjab government has reportedly decided to reward the three players from the state, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, and Amanjot Kaur, who were part of India’s title-winning team with ₹1.5 crore each. In addition, both Harleen and Amanjot are expected to receive government job offers as recognition for their contribution to India’s maiden Women’s ODI World Cup win.

According to a report by Tribune India, even though Harmanpreet led the team to glory, she will not be given an immediate promotion. Currently serving as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), she must complete the required number of years in service before becoming eligible for promotion to SP.

Punjab Government Plans Felicitation Ceremony for World Cup Heroes

Reports suggest that while the Punjab government is exploring ways to give her a special honour, a direct promotion at this stage is not possible under existing service rules. Interestingly, hockey star Manpreet Singh, who also serves as a DSP, has been waiting for his promotion to SP since 2021, despite previous announcements.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is expected to felicitate Harmanpreet, Harleen, and Amanjot in a special ceremony once the captain returns to Punjab. Sources say that all arrangements for the event are ready, and an official announcement will be made soon.

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Harmanpreet's police career has been one of ups and downs. In 2018, she had been demoted from DSP to a constable after her degree, which was from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, was declared invalid. At that time, it was not UGC-recognised. In 2024, after completing her degree through Lovely Professional University, Harmanpreet was reinstated as DSP.

Despite these challenges, Harmanpreet Kaur continues to be one of India's most successful and respected cricketers. India went on to beat South Africa in the final of the 2025 World Cup under her captaincy at the DY Patil Stadium-a proud moment for the whole nation-to bring home the country's first-ever Women's World Cup title.