New Delhi: India’s star opener Smriti Mandhana became the first player to be sold in the auctions for the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL). Mandhana was sold for a whopping Rs 3.4 crore to Royal Challengers Bangalore and is also the highest bid currently. Talking about her inclusion in RCB, the batter talked about the team’s legacy.
Sharing her thoughts on the auctions, Mandhana said that she has been watching men’s auctions and it is a ‘big moment’ for women to have such an auction. She added that it is an ‘exacting’ feeling. Talking about RCB’s legacy, she said that the team has a big fan base. She exclaimed ‘Namaskara Bengaluru’ and said that she is excited to wear the red and golden jersey while she aims for the cup.
Meanwhile, the Indian team, which is playing the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa, was seen celebrating Smriti’s auction bid. RCB released a video of the Indian team’s celebrations and players congratulating Smriti for getting Rs 3.4 crore.
Then, now, forever!
#18 is a Royal Challenger and we are screaming! You? ?#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #WPL2023 #WPLAuction
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2023
Smriti Mandhana has scored 2651 runs in 112 T20I games, and her batting abilities allow her to both anchor the inning and hit big according to situations. Her experience and being the vice-captain of India could make her the captain of her franchise.
RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mike Hesson, stated that Smriti has a lot of captaincy experience and is familiar with Indian conditions, so she is likely to be the captain of the team. He also said that the camp is happy to have the likes of Smriti, Ellyse Perri and Sophie Devine in the team.
A blockbuster start for the Royal Challengers at the #WPLAuction! The coaches and the management react to our first four picks so far, on Bold Diaries. There’s also a wholesome snippet of the celebrations in the Indian team room courtesy @JioCinema.#PlayBold #WPL2023 pic.twitter.com/Twxpo0KVYe
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2023
Mandhana missed the first game against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup due to an injury to her finger. She is likely to return for the next game against West Indies on February 15.