As Royal Challengers Bengaluru is ready to play the reigning champion Mumbai Indians at the DY Patil Stadium on Friday, skipper Smriti Mandhana thinks her team is in a good position going into the Women’s Premier League 2026.
Mandhana said, “We’re a young group, but there’s a lot of energy and excitement around the team,” in reference to RCB’s team and mindset going into the upcoming season. We want to develop the proper mindset and keep getting better every time we on the pitch rather than focussing only on one outcome.
The skipper of the RCB also disclosed a deliberate attempt to improve her power strategy without abandoning her advantages.
“I’m making a deliberate effort to hit more sixes. I hope to apply my power striking, which I’ve been honing a lot, to the WPL without sacrificing time or my natural style of play,” she said.
“I am aware that I am still a long way from elegant photographs when I look at them. However, I would be quite pleased if I could muscle those sixes,” she continued.
Despite not playing for RCB this season, Mandhana discussed Ellyse Perry’s impact on the team.
She has been fantastic for us. Her work ethic and demeanour around the group have taught us a lot, especially for the younger players. She stated, “We have a young, excellent group that is truly gelling together, but of course, no one can replace someone like her.”
Regarding the Women’s Premier League’s wider effects, Mandhana stated,
“Watching new talent emerge in the WPL is always fascinating. We are just moving closer to our goals with each WPL. That demonstrates how much the WPL has influenced us, and everyone is aware that having a strong WPL, particularly in the T20 format, gives you a chance at anything.
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