Smriti Mandhana returns to training after calling off wedding with Palash Muchhal
Her brother Shravan Mandhana shared a picture of her mid-action on Instagram, adding heart emojis to show his support
PTC Web Desk: India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was back on the practice field barely a day after publicly confirming that her wedding to music composer Palash Muchhal had been cancelled. The star opener was spotted batting at a private training facility, dressed in her practice kit and facing throwdowns as she resumed preparations for upcoming international commitments.
Her brother Shravan Mandhana shared a picture of her mid-action on Instagram, adding heart emojis to show his support. The photo quickly gained traction online, with fans and fellow players applauding Smriti’s focus and resilience during what is clearly an emotionally challenging period.
Mandhana, a key architect of India’s 2025 Women’s World Cup title, is set to rejoin competitive cricket in a five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, scheduled from December 21 to 30 in Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram. The series will serve as a crucial build-up to the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup. She will also lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the new season of the Women’s Premier League, beginning January 9 in Navi Mumbai.
Wedding cancellation announced
On December 7, Smriti Mandhana addressed persistent speculation by issuing a clear statement on Instagram:
“I need to clarify that the wedding is called off.”
She thanked fans for their concern and requested privacy for both families, reaffirming that representing India continues to be her top priority.
That same day, Palash Muchhal released his own message, describing the period as one of the hardest phases of his life. He stated he had chosen to “move on” and warned against the circulation of false or defamatory claims, calling the ongoing rumours “baseless.”
The wedding had originally been planned for November 23 in Sangli, Maharashtra, but was halted due to a medical emergency involving Mandhana’s father, who suffered a cardiac issue on the morning of the ceremony. Reports later suggested Muchhal was also hospitalised, reportedly due to stress.
Following the postponement, fans initially hoped for a new date, but no announcement came. Instead, online activity pointed to growing distance: both families began removing pre-wedding pictures, and the couple eventually unfollowed each other and wiped shared posts from social media.
Unverified social media chatter hinted at the involvement of a “third person,” but neither side confirmed any such claims. Muchhal categorically dismissed these rumours as untrue.
Throughout the turmoil, the Indian women’s cricket team has rallied around Smriti. Teammate Jemimah Rodrigues even opted out of the Women’s Big Bash League to stay by Smriti’s side and support her through the difficult phase.