Smriti Mandhana Secures Manchester Super Giants Deal for The Hundred 2026
Indian cricket vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has signed with the Manchester Super Giants for the upcoming women's The Hundred competition in 2026. The 29-year-old left-handed batter joins a star-studded lineup that includes former Australian captain Meg Lanning and England's left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone.
Mandhana's Impressive Track Record in The Hundred
Smriti Mandhana brings significant experience to her new team. She previously played for Southern Brave in The Hundred from 2021 to 2024. During that period, she scored 676 runs in 29 innings with an impressive strike rate of 139.09. Mandhana was part of the Southern Brave squad that clinched the tournament title in 2023.
The Indian batting star has established herself as one of the most consistent and stylish players in modern women's cricket. Her addition promises to bring both experience and firepower to the Super Giants' top batting order.
Manchester Super Giants' Coaching and Schedule
Matthew Mott will coach the women's team. Mott previously coached Australia to victory in the 2020 T20 World Cup and led the side during their 2022 Women's ODI World Cup triumph.
The 2026 edition of The Hundred will begin on July 21, just over two weeks after the conclusion of the women's T20 World Cup. The tournament final is scheduled for August 16.
Franchise Transformation and Global Connections
The Manchester Super Giants have undergone substantial changes since their rebranding from the Originals. This transformation follows investment by the RPSG Group, a conglomerate that owns several global cricket franchises.
The RPSG Group's cricket portfolio includes:
- Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League
- Durban Super Giants in South Africa's SA20 competition
Men's Team Composition and Coaching
The men's Manchester Super Giants team will feature former World Cup-winning captain Jos Buttler as their central player. Buttler will be joined by South African batter Heinrich Klaasen and Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmed. England's Liam Dawson will also be part of the setup.
Justin Langer, who currently coaches Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, will take charge of the men's side. Both Buttler and Ecclestone have remained with the Manchester franchise throughout their entire careers in The Hundred.
Under their previous name as Manchester Originals, the men's team reached the tournament finals in both 2022 and 2023, demonstrating their competitive strength.
This signing represents another significant step in Smriti Mandhana's international cricket career. It also highlights the growing global appeal of women's cricket and the increasing opportunities for Indian players in overseas leagues.
