Smriti Mandhana, the captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), was asked to make comparisons with previous Indian captain Virat Kohli as RCB prepared for their season opener against Delhi Capitals (DC) in the inaugural Women’s Premier League 2023 (WPL).
Virat Kohli has been the face of the team since he was named as the man in charge of the Bengaluru-based club in 2013, the run-making legend has served as the face of Royal Challengers Bangalore. It’s interesting to note that for RCB and Team India, both Mandhana and Kohli wear the same uniform number (18).
It was Kohli who formally announced Mandhana as the captain of the women’s squad of the Bangalore-based franchise after RCB signed the Indian opener for a staggering INR 3.6 crore at the WPL auction. Before Bangalore’s game against Delhi, Mandhana told reporters in Mumbai that she wants to imitate Kohli by becoming the star player for the RCB.
In the first-ever Women’s Premier League auction last month, India’s left-handed opener Mandhana ended up being the most costly purchase. Mandhana was a player that RCB had to outbid Mumbai Indians (MI) to sign for the WPL 2023.
“I don’t like the kind of comparison because what he (Kohli) has achieved is amazing. I just hope that I reach that level, but I’m nowhere near. What he has achieved for this franchise (RCB), I would like to try and do that.” – said Mandhana
“Well yeah, definitely a big moment for I think all of us including all the overseas (players) as well because it is first ever WPL match. We have been part of teams where we have played in pressure situations. One thing we always tell and that is the one thing that we have to go and enjoy and have each other’s back.”
