On 13 February 2023, the auction of the Women’s T20 League took place at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. Over 400 players participated in the auction process. Smriti Mandhana made headlines as she became the highest-paid cricketer. The Bangalore franchise bought her for a whopping amount of INR 3.4 Crores.
After that, fans went crazy and shared their views on social media platforms. However, there were some reports that she might become the captain also. Now, on 18 February, the Bangalore franchise announced that she will be the skipper for the inaugural edition of the Women’s T20 League in 2023.
“I would like to thank Bangalore management for giving me this amazing opportunity.” - Smriti Mandhana
Both Virat Kohli and Faf de Plessis made the announcement. During the announcement, Kohli said: “Now it’s time for another Number 18 to lead a very special RCB team in the Women’s Premier League. Yes, we are talking about Smriti Mandhana. Go well Smriti, you will have the support of the best team and the best fans in the World.” Du Plessis further added: “I’m 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.”
While reacting to that, Smriti Mandhana said: “I would like to thank Bangalore management for giving me this amazing opportunity. I’m looking forward to receiving all the love and support from you fans, who I’m told are the best in the world. And I promise you to give my 100% to lead Bangalore to success in the Women’s T20 League.” Speaking about her captaincy record, Mandhana has led team India on 11 occasions so far.
India have won all of the last 5 games in which Mandhana has captained the team. Currently, Smriti Mandhana is busy playing the ongoing Women’s 20-20 World Cup for team India in South Africa. After missing the tournament opener against Pakistan, she played the second game against West Indies. While reacting to this news from the Bangalore franchise, fans came up with some tweets.
Here are some viral tweets regarding the appointment of Smriti Mandhana as the skipper for the Bangalore franchise:
Context: RCB finished
— 🌜🌛 (@staan_Mukesh) February 18, 2023
Aage aage dekho hota hai kya😜 pic.twitter.com/UTOPmfDVnE
— 𝐏𝐫𝐨-𝐏𝐚-🦏 😜 (@FokatiyaaEXPERT) February 18, 2023
Great News For All RCB Fans. ❤️🖤
— Rupdeep Kundu (@KunduRupdeep21) February 18, 2023
Ellyse Perry > Smrithi Mandhana and smrithi irani 👍
— Flick (@Ro_Flex__45) February 18, 2023
Panoti last position fixed for Harcb in both Wpl and Ipl
— Verot Kolhi (@Verot_Kolhi) February 18, 2023
2 sec k liye laga Vk is back as RCB captain in that video!!
— Prateek Shivhare (@prateek0899) February 18, 2023
Our new skip #18 Smriti Mandhana has all our support#RCB #WPL2023 #WPLAuction2023 #WPL
— ₿adige₹ ಬಡಿಗೇರ್ | Sutar⭐ 🇮🇳 🚀 (@SatishSutar_) February 18, 2023
Buy My eyes on 😍😍😍 @EllysePerry pic.twitter.com/AhKtcqwuZb
— Vrushabh_gebise18 (@Vrushabh0718) February 18, 2023