India’s star batter Smriti Mandhana will feature in The Hundred 2026 after being signed by Manchester Super Giants Women ahead of the tournament’s first-ever player auction. The signing makes Mandhana one of the headline players for the new season of England’s 100-ball competition.
The left-hand opener was confirmed as a direct pre-auction signing for Manchester Super Giants as teams finalized their initial squads before the auction event. Her addition strengthens the team’s top order and adds significant international experience to the lineup.
The Hundred 2026 will take place between July 21 and August 16, bringing together leading players from across the world.
Smriti Mandhana The Hundred 2026 Team and Salary
Manchester Super Giants secured Mandhana as one of their key signings ahead of the player auction. The franchise used part of its available budget to secure the Indian star.
| Player | Role | Signing Type | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | Opening Batter | Direct Signing | £90,000 |
| Meg Lanning | Opening Batter | Direct Signing | £90,000 |
| Sophie Ecclestone | Spinner | Retained | £90,000 |
Mandhana’s contract is worth £90,000, which is one of the top salary brackets for women’s players in the competition. The signing forms a strong international core for the Manchester Super Giants squad.
Mandhana Expected to Lead the Batting Unit
In The Hundred 2026, Smriti Mandhana is expected to play a key role at the top of the order. She will likely open the innings alongside Australian captain Meg Lanning, forming one of the most exciting opening partnerships in the tournament.
Mandhana is known for her elegant stroke play and aggressive scoring during the powerplay. Her ability to dominate both pace and spin makes her a valuable asset for the team.
The Indian star could also become a leadership option for the franchise because of her experience as captain in domestic leagues.
Also see: The Hundred 2026 Auction: Date, Start Time, Teams, TV Channel and Live Streaming Details
The Hundred 2026 Format and Auction
The Hundred uses a unique 100-ball format, where teams compete in fast-paced matches designed to keep the game exciting for fans.
The 2026 season will feature eight women’s teams, each allowed to include several overseas players in their squads. Teams are permitted to retain a small core group before filling the rest of their squad through the auction.
The upcoming auction will help teams complete their rosters ahead of the tournament.
Smriti Mandhana’s Career Achievements
Smriti Mandhana is widely regarded as one of the most consistent and stylish batters in women’s cricket. Over the years, she has built an impressive international record across formats.
Key Career Highlights
- Led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the WPL title in 2024.
- Scored a maiden T20I century in 2025 and crossed 3,000 runs in T20 internationals.
- Holds an important role as a senior player and leader in India’s ODI team.
- Scored India’s first women’s Test century in 2018 at Bristol.
Her consistent performances have made her one of the most recognized players in global women’s cricket.
Previous Experience in The Hundred
Before joining Manchester Super Giants, Mandhana had previously played in The Hundred for Southern Brave.
During her appearances in the tournament, she produced several impactful innings and played a role in the team’s successful campaign in earlier seasons. Her ability to score quickly and control the innings made her a valuable top-order batter in the competition.
This experience in English conditions will help her adapt quickly with her new team.
Manchester Super Giants Build a Strong Core
Manchester Super Giants have built a solid foundation ahead of the auction with a mix of experienced international players.
The presence of Meg Lanning, Smriti Mandhana and Sophie Ecclestone gives the team strong balance in both batting and bowling departments. The franchise is expected to target additional all-rounders and bowlers in the auction to complete the squad.
With global stars already in the lineup, the team is aiming to become one of the strongest contenders in the upcoming season.
Mandhana Signing Boosts Tournament Appeal
Smriti Mandhana’s signing highlights the growing popularity of women’s cricket around the world. The Hundred continues to attract top international players, creating exciting matchups and increasing the competition’s global appeal.
Her presence in the league will not only strengthen Manchester Super Giants but also bring additional attention to the tournament from fans around the world.
As The Hundred 2026 approaches, Mandhana’s arrival is expected to be one of the major storylines of the season.
