Sanjiv Goenka welcomes Mandhana (Source: @Cules651/x.com)
In the arena of the Hundred, the Manchester Originals have started a new journey as Manchester Super Giants ahead of the 2026 season of the tournament. Following RPSG Group’s acquisition of a 70% stake, the team will compete under a new identity in the upcoming edition.
Before stepping into the new journey, they have signed marquee Indian batter Smriti Mandhana, along with some other global stars. Team owner Sanjiv Goenka extended a warm welcome, signaling high hopes for the upcoming season.
Goenka extends a heartfelt welcome to Smriti Mandhana
Among all the franchise leagues across the globe, The Hundred stands tall for its unique feature. But before the 2026 season goes live on the big stage, the entire tournament went through some massive changes. The Manchester Originals have been renamed as the Manchester Super Giants.
After Sanjiv Goenka-owned RPSG acquired 70% stakes of the side, they are set to step into the upcoming edition with a whole new identity. Aiming for a fresh start, the franchise signed some of the big names of world cricket for both the men's and women’s teams.
As they signed, star Indian batter Smriti Mandhana, the Indian fans couldn’t be more excited for the new chapter of her career. As she has now been a part of the franchise, the team owner, Dr. Sanjiv Goenka, shared a heartwarming social media post welcoming the world champion.
“One of the game’s true champions, whose impact goes beyond numbers. @ManchesterSG100 is proud to welcome @mandhana_smriti to the #SuperGiants family,” Goenka wrote.
Smriti emerges as the X factor in Manchester Super Giants’ maiden trophy hunt
Over the years, Smriti Mandhana has been a black horse in India Women’s side, and her excellence is not just limited to international cricket only. During the WPL 2024, she led the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their maiden WPL trophy triumph. Adding to this, she has also appeared in the Big Bash League Women’s and had some iconic outings.
Even in the ongoing edition of the WPL, the Indian batter is running with exceptional form. As The Hundred Women’s competition first went on the big stage in 2021, the Manchester Super Giants Women are yet to lift their first trophy.
A squad filled with global superstars like Meg Lanning, Sophie Ecclestone, and many others, she can be an X-factor in the team. With her sublime form, her immense experience of thriving in any condition can make her a great warrior in the team’s maiden trophy hunt.
The Hundred undergoes a major makeover
It's not just that the Manchester Originals got a new identity, but the Hundred went through a major overhaul. The MI franchise welcomed another new member into its global franchise as the Oval Incredibles turned into MI London after the Reliance group took 49% stakes of the team.
Adding to this, the Northern Superchargers are also set to appear in the next edition of the tournament in a new identity. Following the Sun Group’s takeover, the team has been rebranded as Sunrisers Leeds. With these historic changes, fans are now buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming season.
