Senior India batter Smriti Mandhana. File picture
| Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI
Royal Challengers Bangalore have expectedly named senior India batter Smriti Mandhana as their captain for the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL).
The left-handed India vice-captain was signed within the current public sale held in Mumbai for ₹3.40 crore, the best value for a participant within the WPL public sale.
The announcement was made by means of a video shared on the franchise’s social media handles, which had messages from RCB talisman Virat Kohli and present males’s group skipper Faf du Plessis.
“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 will have the support of the best team and the best fans in the world,” Kohli stated.
On asserting Mandhana because the captain, RCB chairman Prathmesh Mishra stated: “Smriti is central to our play bold philosophy and cricketing plans. We have handed her the leadership role, and we are confident that Smriti will lead RCB into greater heights.”
On her function because the RCB girls’s group captain, Mandhana stated: “It is such a great feeling to see Virat and Faf speak so much about leading RCB and I would like to thank RCB management for giving me this amazing opportunity.
“I’m wanting ahead to receiving all of the love and help from you followers who I’m advised are the very best within the World. I promise you to offer my 100% to guide RCB to success in WPL.”
As an opener, the southpaw has made 2661 runs from 113 WT20Is, averaging 27.15 with a strike-rate of 123.19.
Mandhana has additionally been a sought-after participant on the T20 circuit, making appearances for Brisbane Heat, Sydney Thunder (Women’s BBL), Western Storm (Kia Super League) and Southern Brave (The Hundred).
She has captained India in 11 T20Is, of which they’ve gained six and misplaced 5 video games. She was additionally skipper of Trailblazers on the Women’s T20 Challenge ¬ the WPL’s precursor ¬ throughout all 4 seasons it was held whereas main the group to the title in 2020.
The embellished participant lately gained the ICC Women Cricketer Of The Year for scoring 855 runs in 22 matches in 2021.
The WPL begins on March 4, with Gujarat Giants taking up Mumbai Indians. RCB’s opener is towards Delhi Capitals on March 5.
