Star Indian opener Smriti Mandhana was named as the captain of the franchise RCB for the inaugural season of the Women’s Premiere League beginning on 4th March.
“Now it’s time for another No. 18 to lead a very special RCB team in WPL. Yes, we are talking about Smriti Mandhana. Go on Smriti. You have the support best team and best fans in the world,” Kohli said.
Chipping in with his thoughts on RCB becoming a women’s team, Du Plessis commented: “It is an incredible privilege to captain RCB, what an incredible franchise and so much history and great players just walking through that dressing room. I am very confident that our women’s captain has all the attributes to lead RCB. All the very best, Smriti Mandhana. See you at the games.”
Mandhana’s was the first name that came up for bidding at the WPL auction that was held on February 13 in Mumbai. She was roped in by RCB as the most expensive player by far at any auction.
“It’s been a great couple of months for RCB. Firstly, getting a women’s IPL team, then also assembling a really strong squad at the auction. And now it’s time to reveal the first women’s captain of RCB for this year’s women’s IPL.”I am very confident that our women’s captain has all the attributes to lead RCB. All the very best Smriti Mandhana. See you at the games.”– said Mandhana on her appointment.
She has captained India in 11 T20Is, of which they have won six (including five of the most recent) and lost five games. She was also captain of Trailblazers at the Women’s T20 Challenge – the WPL’s precursor – across all four seasons it was held, leading the team to the title in 2020.