India’s women’s cricket vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has once again found herself in the headlines. This time, however, it is not for her batting heroics but for her absence from a highly anticipated television appearance. Smriti Mandhana, one of the most celebrated faces of Indian women’s cricket, did not join her teammates for the special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 17 hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
Smriti’s Noticeable Absence on the Set
The episode, shot on Wednesday evening, was designed to celebrate India’s Women’s Cricket World Cup triumph. Fans were eager to see the entire squad together, sharing anecdotes and enjoying light-hearted banter with the legendary host. Yet, Mandhana’s name was missing from the final list. A channel insider confirmed the development, stating that the team had informed them she would not be attending.
Her absence is striking because Mandhana remains one of the most recognizable stars in the squad. Viewers expected her presence alongside captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, Richa Ghosh, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, and head coach Amol Muzumdar. While the rest of the team arrived on set, videos circulating online clearly showed Mandhana was not part of the group.
The Shadow of Personal Challenges
Although no official reason was shared, insiders suggest her decision reflects the personal challenges she has been navigating in recent days. Mandhana’s personal life has been under intense scrutiny since her wedding plans with singer and filmmaker Palaash Muchhal were abruptly halted.
Originally scheduled for November 23 in Sangli, Maharashtra, the wedding was postponed after her father, Srinivas Mandhana, suffered a sudden medical emergency. According to her manager, Tuhin Mishra, Srinivas Mandhana’s health deteriorated during breakfast, forcing the family to rush him to the hospital. He was kept under observation, and doctors advised that he remain admitted until recovery.
Family Comes First, Marriage Postponed
Mandhana, known for her close bond with her father, decided to postpone the marriage indefinitely. She made it clear that her priority was her father’s health. Although he has since been discharged, no new wedding date has been announced. This decision highlights her deep sense of responsibility and emotional attachment to her family.
Adding to the intrigue, Mandhana removed all wedding-related posts from her social media accounts. Engagement pictures, proposal moments, and even glimpses of the pre-wedding festivities—haldi, mehendi, and sangeet—were deleted. Friends close to her, including Jemimah Rodrigues and Shreyanka Patil, also erased wedding-related content. The sudden silence has fueled speculation about the future of her relationship.
Palaash Muchhal’s Health and Allegations
Meanwhile, Palaash Muchhal himself faced health concerns. He was admitted to a Mumbai hospital with chest pains and breathing troubles but has since been discharged with a clean bill of health. However, the situation has become more complicated with fresh allegations. Rumors suggest Palaash has been linked to his choreographer, Mary D’Costa, sparking whispers of infidelity. Neither Palaash nor Mandhana has addressed these claims publicly, leaving fans and media to speculate.
A Difficult Phase for Mandhana
Taken together, these developments explain why Mandhana chose to skip the KBC shoot. Between her father’s health scare, the indefinite postponement of her wedding, and the swirling allegations around her fiancé, she has been navigating a deeply challenging period. Her absence from the celebratory episode is not just a missed appearance—it is a reflection of the emotional weight she currently carries.
Despite her absence, the episode promises to be a treat for fans. The rest of the squad, fresh off their World Cup victory, will share behind-the-scenes stories, playful exchanges, and moments of camaraderie rarely seen on screen. Amitabh Bachchan’s presence adds further charm, ensuring the episode remains one of the season’s highlights.
Smriti Mandhana’s decision to skip the KBC shoot underscores the difficult balance athletes often face between professional commitments and personal responsibilities. While fans will miss her presence on screen, her choice reflects her devotion to family and her need to step back during a turbulent time. As the Indian women’s team continues to bask in their World Cup glory, supporters will hope Mandhana finds strength and stability in the days ahead.
