Indian cricket sensation Smriti Mandhana has officially joined Manchester Super Giants ahead of The Hundred 2026 tournament. The announcement marks a significant move for the World Cup-winning opening batter, who brings her expertise to the newly rebranded franchise that was previously known as Manchester Originals.
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New Era for Manchester
The Manchester Originals underwent a major transformation ahead of the 2026 season after the RPSG Group acquired a 70% stake in the franchise for approximately £80 million. This acquisition led to the rebranding of the team as Manchester Super Giants, aligning the franchise with Goenka’s other premier cricket properties, including Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League and Durban’s Super Giants in South Africa’s SA20.
Team co-owner Sanjiv Goenka expressed his vision for the franchise, stating that Manchester’s rich sporting legacy and passion for the game made it the perfect location for the expansion of the Super Giants family. The new identity includes a distinctive elephant logo, symbolizing strength and continuity.
Star-Studded Women’s Squad
Smriti Mandhana joins an impressive lineup of world-class players for the women’s team. Former Australia captain Meg Lanning and England spinner Sophie Ecclestone complete the roster of marquee signings. Mandhana’s addition to the team brings significant experience and the momentum from India’s maiden ODI World Cup victory in 2025, where she played an instrumental role.
Goenka expressed confidence in the women’s squad, commenting that they have assembled an exceptional blend of experience and excellence featuring some of the most accomplished players in global cricket.
Career Achievements
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Previous Franchise | Southern Brave (2021-2024) |
| Tournament Victory | Women’s Hundred Champion (2023) |
| Career Strike Rate | 139.09 |
| Runs in The Hundred | 676 runs in 29 innings |
| Notable Achievement | 5 fifties in The Hundred |
Mandhana previously represented Southern Brave for four seasons, establishing herself as one of the tournament’s most consistent performers. Her aggressive yet elegant batting style made her a fan favorite, and she was instrumental in Southern Brave’s 2023 championship victory. This move marks her return to The Hundred after missing the 2025 edition.
Men’s Squad Reinforcements
The Manchester Super Giants men’s team features retained stalwarts Jos Buttler and Sophie Ecclestone, alongside newly signed England spinner Liam Dawson. The squad also includes Afghanistan’s young spin sensation Noor Ahmad and South African batter Heinrich Klaasen, creating a balanced and competitive roster.
Coaching Setup
The franchise appointed Matthew Mott as head coach of the women’s team. Mott brings extensive experience, having successfully coached the Australian women’s cricket team from 2015 to 2022 before taking charge of England women’s cricket. Justin Langer was appointed head coach of the men’s side, bringing his championship-winning pedigree from his tenure with Lucknow Super Giants.
Tournament Timeline
The Hundred 2026 will be held from July 21 to August 8, with all matches taking place at Emirates Old Trafford, the home ground of Manchester Super Giants.
This tournament represents the franchise’s fresh opportunity to secure their first Hundred title after finishing as runners-up in 2022 and 2023 under their previous identity.
Read More: WPL 2026: Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee Power Delhi Capitals to Thrilling First Victory
FAQs
When does Smriti Mandhana start playing for Manchester Super Giants?
Smriti Mandhana will begin her The Hundred 2026 campaign with Manchester Super Giants in July 2026. The tournament runs from July 21 to August 8, 2026.
Why did Smriti Mandhana leave Southern Brave?
While Mandhana had a successful stint with Southern Brave from 2021 to 2024, including winning the tournament in 2023, she missed the 2025 edition. Manchester Super Giants’ acquisition and rebranding offered her a fresh opportunity with a strengthened franchise.
Who are Smriti Mandhana’s teammates at Manchester Super Giants?
Mandhana plays alongside Meg Lanning (former Australia captain) and Sophie Ecclestone (England spinner) in the women’s team, with Jos Buttler leading the men’s side.
What is Manchester Super Giants’ connection to other Super Giants franchises?
Manchester Super Giants is part of the Super Giants family owned by RPSG Group, which also owns Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and Durban’s Super Giants in South Africa’s SA20, creating a global cricket empire.
Has Manchester Super Giants won The Hundred before?
No, Manchester Super Giants (formerly Manchester Originals) has not won The Hundred title in their first five seasons. The men’s team reached the finals in 2022 and 2023, and the franchise aims to secure their first title in 2026.
