In the euphoric moments after the Indian women’s cricket team made history by winning its first-ever World Cup, a personal story of pride and love shone just as brightly. As vice-captain Smriti Mandhana stood on the field wrapped in the Indian flag and holding the coveted trophy, her number one cheerleader was right beside her.
Her fiancé, music composer Palash Muchhal, was not just there to celebrate a national triumph, but also the culmination of his partner’s journey. A simple, heartfelt social media post from him, accompanied by a permanent tribute etched on his skin, quickly captured the nation’s heart, making “SM18” a symbol of modern relationship goals .
More Than a Trophy: A Dream Realized
On November 2, 2025, the Indian women’s cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, etched its name in history by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium . This landmark victory marked the team’s first ODI World Cup title after nearly 50 years of perseverance, a moment that filled the entire nation with pride .
For opener Smriti Mandhana, the win was the crowning jewel in an already illustrious career. She personally had a stellar tournament, becoming India’s highest run-getter in a single World Cup edition with 434 runs, surpassing the previous record held by Mithali Raj .
A Cheerleader in a Billion: Palash’s Heartfelt Posts
Amid the sea of celebrations, Palash Muchhal‘s personal joy was palpable. He took to Instagram to share the moment with the world, posting a photo where a beaming Smriti, with the trophy in hand, stands beside him as he holds her close.
His caption, “Am I still dreaming?” perfectly captured the surreal emotion of the achievement . In another post, he celebrated the national win with the caption, “Sabse aage hai hum Hindustani” (We Indians are at the forefront) .
But it was a subtle detail in his photos that sent social media into a frenzy: a tattoo on his arm reading “SM18”—a clear and permanent tribute to his fiancée, Smriti Mandhana, and her jersey number .
Table: Smriti Mandhana’s Key World Cup 2025 Performance
| Metric | Achievement | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Total Runs | 434 | Became India’s highest run-scorer in a single World Cup edition, breaking Mithali Raj’s 2017 record . |
| High Score | 109 | Demonstrated her consistency and ability to play match-winning innings at the top of the order . |
| Opening Partnership | 104 runs with Shafali Verma in the final | Provided India with a strong, steady foundation in the high-pressure final match . |
The “SM18” Tattoo: A Viral Symbol of Love
The internet was quick to notice and adore Palash’s public declaration of love. The tattoo, which many fans deduced he had gotten ahead of their wedding, was seen as the ultimate gesture of support .
Social media users flooded the comments with praise, calling the couple “relationship goals.” One user perfectly summed up the scene, writing, “The tattoo, the man, and the trophy, she got everything,” while another celebrated, “Men hyping their women is [the] best genre” . The moment highlighted a shift in how the public views the partners of successful women, celebrating Palash not just as a bystander, but as a proud and vocal supporter.
A Union of Two Worlds: Cricket and Bollywood
The World Cup win may be a professional peak, but for Smriti and Palash, it comes on the cusp of a joyous personal milestone. Recently, Palash publicly confirmed their upcoming wedding. At a public event, he announced, “She will soon become the daughter-in-law of Indore… that’s all I want to say. I’ve given you the headline” .
While the exact dates are not officially confirmed, reports suggest wedding festivities will begin in November in Sangli, Maharashtra, Smriti’s hometown . The couple, who have been dating since 2019, have often shared heartfelt messages for each other on social media, with Palash previously calling Smriti his “calm in the chaos” and “biggest cheerleader” .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What does Palash Muchhal’s “SM18” tattoo mean?
The tattoo is a tribute to his fiancée, cricketer Smriti Mandhana. “SM” are her initials, and “18” is her jersey number for the Indian national team . - Are Smriti Mandhana and Palash Muchhal getting married?
Yes. Palash Muchhal has publicly confirmed their wedding plans, stating that Smriti will soon be the “daughter-in-law of Indore.” Reports indicate the wedding is set for November, with festivities in Sangli . - What did India’s Women’s World Cup win mean for the team?
The 2025 World Cup victory was a historic first for the Indian women’s cricket team. It was their maiden ODI World Cup title, achieved after nearly five decades of playing the sport, cementing a legacy of resilience and success . - What was Smriti Mandhana’s contribution to the World Cup win?
As vice-captain and opening batter, Mandhana was crucial to the team’s success. She broke the record for the most runs by an Indian in a single World Cup edition, scoring 434 runs, and provided strong starts throughout the tournament, including in the final .
Conclusion
The image of Smriti Mandhana holding the World Cup trophy, with Palash Muchhal by her side and his “SM18” tattoo on display, is more than just a viral moment. It’s a snapshot of a perfect culmination—of professional dreams achieved and personal joy shared. It reminds us that behind every great athlete’s success is a support system that believes in them unconditionally. As the nation celebrates its champions, we also celebrate the powerful, simple message that cheering for your partner, and wearing your love with pride, is the ultimate win.
What was your favorite moment from this historic World Cup win? Share your thoughts and let’s keep the celebration going!
