Smriti Mandhana’s wedding plans took an unexpected turn on November 23, 2025, when her father’s health emergency overshadowed the celebrations. Shriniwas Mandhana experienced severe chest pain during breakfast and was rushed to the hospital, prompting the postponement of the wedding, according to her manager, Tuhin Mishra.
Shriniwas, who has been a steadfast supporter of Smriti’s cricket career, nurtured her talent after his own dreams of playing cricket at a higher level were thwarted due to lack of familial support. Despite his setbacks, he dedicated himself to ensuring that his children received the opportunities he missed. This commitment has paid off, as Smriti has achieved remarkable success, including playing a pivotal role in India’s victory in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
As Smriti’s primary pillar, Shriniwas has been a regular presence in her life and career. He played a critical role in shaping her journey by managing her cricket schedule and guiding her efforts alongside her brother, Shravan, who also showed early promise in the sport. His passion for cricket didn’t wane despite his own unfulfilled aspirations, as he invested time and resources into fostering Smriti’s development as a cricketer.
In addition to his support for Smriti, Shriniwas is the owner of SM 18 Cafe, named after Smriti’s jersey number, and works as a chemical distributor. This entrepreneurial spirit reflects his ability to balance professional commitments while remaining deeply involved in his children’s sporting endeavors. His dedication to Smriti is evident, as he continues to guide her while managing the café and his other responsibilities.
Shriniwas has always approached his own lack of cricketing success as a motivation to help Smriti fulfill her dreams. His relationship with her includes sharing experiences at cricket grounds, which ignited her passion for the sport. As Smriti pursued her cricketing career, Shriniwas became more than just a father—he became her mentor, drawing from his own experiences to help her navigate the challenges of the cricketing world.
On the personal front, Shriniwas is married to Smita, a homemaker. Their son, Shravan, briefly played cricket at the U-19 level before transitioning into a banking career. The family’s support has always been a cornerstone of Smriti’s journey, and through their encouragement, she has soared to exceptional heights in women’s cricket.
Currently, Shriniwas is dealing with a heart condition, which doctors suggest may be aggravated by stress. His health situation is a reminder of the challenges he has faced, but it does not diminish his legacy as a devoted father who lived through his children’s achievements. As fans follow Smriti’s career, they also express concern and support for Shriniwas during this health crisis.
His influence and unwavering belief in Smriti’s potential have allowed her to become one of the finest cricketers in the world, embodying the dreams of a father who could not fulfill his cricketing ambitions. The Mandhana family’s journey illustrates the profound impact of support and belief in one’s abilities, showcasing how dreams can shift from one generation to the next.