Smriti Mandhana skips KBC episode with team India amid wedding & cheating chaos

Some television moments feel like an event, and the next episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 is definitely one of them. Amitabh Bachchan will be joined by India’s Women’s Cricket Team, fresh off their historic World Cup win earlier this month. The energy is expected to be light, nostalgic and packed with laughter, stories and cricket memories. But even before the episode airs, fans have one big question: Where is Smriti Mandhana?

The Line-Up Without Smriti

The special episode features captain Harmanpreet Kaur along with Harleen Deol, Richa Ghosh, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana and head coach Amol Muzumdar. It’s a power-packed squad and a proud moment for the country.

Still, one name stands out in its absence. Smriti Mandhana, one of the most celebrated faces of women's cricket, was expected to join the team on the KBC stage. Her no-show has now become a major talking point online, especially after everything that has unfolded in her personal life over the last few weeks.

A Rollercoaster Month for the Star Opener

Smriti has been in the headlines beyond the cricket field. She was set to marry singer-composer Palash Muchhal on November 23. But just hours before the ceremony, plans changed abruptly after her father suffered a heart attack and had to be rushed to the hospital.

Since then, things have taken a strange turn. Smriti has removed her proposal and wedding posts from social media. Even close friends Jemimah Rodrigues and Shreyanka Patil deleted the engagement video, adding fuel to breakup and cheating rumours that are now circulating everywhere.

While Smriti and her family have maintained silence, her father was discharged earlier this week, bringing at least some relief to fans.

Triumph On The Field

Emotions and controversies aside, India’s historic win remains the highlight of the month. The squad wrapped up the 2025 T20 World Cup with a dominant 52-run victory at DY Patil Stadium, putting up one of the highest tournament totals at 298/7.

Kaun Banega Crorepati airs Monday to Friday at 9 pm on Sony Entertainment Television, and the special episode will soon stream on Sony LIV.

Fans are excited to celebrate the team’s win on the iconic quiz show, Meanwhile, whether Smriti addresses the situation or continues to stay quiet, all eyes remain on her next move.