Smriti Mandhana has been selected as the team’s captain for the Women’s Premier League’s debut season (WPL). The news was made via a video posted to RCB’s social media accounts, which also featured remarks from previous and current men’s team captains Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis.
“Another No. 18 will now take the helm of a very remarkable RCB team in the WPL. Certainly, Smriti Mandhana is the topic at hand. Suit up, Smriti. You have the best team and supporters in the world supporting you “stated Kohli.
From one No. 18 to another, from one skipper to another, Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis announce RCB’s captain for the Women’s Premier League – Smriti Mandhana. #PlayBold #WPL2023 #CaptainSmriti @mandhana_smriti pic.twitter.com/sqmKnJePPu
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) February 18, 2023
“It is a wonderful honour to serve as captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore. This franchise has a rich history and boasts many outstanding players. Our female captain has all the skills necessary to lead RCB, in my opinion. Best wishes, Smriti Mandhana. I’ll see you at the game “said du Plessis.
The first name that was put up for bid at the WPL auction, which was held on February 13 in Mumbai, was Mandhana’s. Her purchase by RCB for INR 3.4 crore (about USD 415,000) was the highest price paid for any player at the auction. As was to be expected, there was a bidding war between Mumbai Indians and RCB for her.
On the eve of the auction, Mike Hesson, the director of cricket for the RCB, made a hint that Mandhana would be in command. Smriti has had plenty of experience as a captain and is familiar with the Indian climate, therefore it is quite possible that she will serve as captain, according to Hesson.
In 11 T20Is under her leadership, India has won six (including five of the most recent) and lost five matches. She also served as the team captain for Trailblazers during all four seasons of the Women’s T20 Challenge, the WPL’s predecessor, and helped them win the championship in 2020.
“Seeing Virat and Faf talk so passionately about leading RCB gives me a wonderful feeling. And I want to express my gratitude to the RCB management for giving me this wonderful chance “In the announcement video, Mandhana stated. “I am anticipating getting all of your love and support since I have been told that you are the best fans in the world. And I pledge to do all in my power to help you win the WPL.”
Ellyse Perry, Sophie Devine, Heather Knight, and Dane van Niekerk are all part of the competitive RCB WPL squad. On March 4, Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants will face off in the tournament’s opening match. Beginning March 5 versus Delhi Capitals, RCB will play.
The entire tournament is scheduled to be contested in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, meaning that RCB will not have any home games in season one.
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