The Royal Challengers Bangalore management has taken some great steps ever since they confirmed their participation in the inaugural WPL 2023. They were one of the standout bidders in the first-ever WPL player auction. Be it the consistent Smriti Mandhana, the dependable all-rounder Ellyse Perry, or the ever-improving wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh, the Bangalore outfit looks like the side to beat.
In the player auction, the first player that started the bidding process was Smriti Mandhana. RCB went all guns blazing and secured her services for Rs 3.40 crore. Smriti eventually ended as the most expensive purchase in the auction. The Indian vice-captain was expected to be entrusted with leadership responsibilities. RCB confirmed the same in a very special way.
In a video released by RCB on their social media handles, former captain of the men’s team, Virat Kohli, and current captain Faf du Plessis gave their reactions on leading the squad. They also had words of praise for the loyal fanbase of RCB. The video was shared with the caption:
“From one No. 18 to another, from one skipper to another, Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis announce RCB’s captain for the Women’s Premier League – Smriti Mandhana.”
From one No. 18 to another, from one skipper to another, Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis announce RCB’s captain for the Women’s Premier League – Smriti Mandhana. #PlayBold #WPL2023 #CaptainSmriti @mandhana_smriti pic.twitter.com/sqmKnJePPu
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) February 18, 2023
“Go well Smriti….” – Virat Kohli wishes Smriti Mandhana good luck on her new journey
Virat Kohli announced Smriti Mandhana as the captain of the women’s team and hailed RCB as the best team with the best fans.
“Hi RCB fans, this is your No. 18 here to make a very special announcement today. Leading RCB for over the last decade has been a very enjoyable and a memorable phase of my career. A captain isn’t just the leader of the group. He is someone who creates the culture and carries that legacy forward by earning the respect of everyone around him.
“Now, it’s time for another No. 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.”
“It’s been a great couple of months for RCB…” – Faf du Plessis shared his reaction to the momentous development
South African legend, Faf du Plessis also shared his thoughts as he lauded the RCB management for assembling a “really strong squad”. He also wished Smriti the very best in her new role as the leader of the team.
“It’s been a great couple of months for RCB. Firstly, getting a women’s IPL team, then also assembling a really strong squad at the auction. And now it’s time to reveal the first women’s captain of RCB for this year’s women’s IPL.
“I am 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.”
Smriti Mandhana shares her reaction after being announced as the captain of the RCB women’s team
The stylish left-handed opening batter – Smriti Mandhana is currently in South Africa where the ICC T20 World Cup is being held.
Namaskara Bengaluru 💛❤️
— Smriti Mandhana (@mandhana_smriti) February 13, 2023
Toward the end of the video, Smriti Mandhana appears in a Polo t-shirt of RCB and gives her reaction to being announced as the RCB women’s team captain. She was thrilled to hear from Virat and Faf who shared their feelings about leading RCB. The Mumbaikar said she heard about the loyal RCB fanbase. She ended by promising to give her 100 percent to the team.
“It’s such a great feeling to see Virat and Faf speak so much about leading RCB. I would like to thank RCB management for giving me this amazing opportunity. I am looking forward to receiving all the love and support from you fans who I am told are the best in the world. And I promise you to give my 100 percent to lead RCB to success in WPL.”
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