Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have appointed Indian cricket sensation Smriti Mandhana as the captain for the inaugural Women’s Premier League.
On February 18, RCB uploaded a video on their social media platforms announcing that the 26-year-old would be leading the team in the upcoming tournament. Mandhana was the first player to be auctioned in the first-ever WPL auction on February 13, and RCB bought her for a whopping 3.4 crores, making her the most expensive pick of the evening.
The team’s former captain Virat Kohli and current captain Faf du Plessis extended their wishes to Mandhana in the video. Kohli expressed that a captain creates a culture and carries forward a legacy, while du Plessis congratulated the team’s new captain and welcomed her to the squad.
RCB Chairman Prathmesh Mishra expressed his delight in Mandhana’s appointment and stated that she is central to the team’s Play Bold philosophy and cricketing plans.
The Women’s Premier League begins on March 4, and RCB is confident that Mandhana’s leadership will lead the team to greater heights. Mandhana has played 112 T20Is and amassed 2651 runs at an average of 27.3.