WPL 2023: Smriti Mandhana named RCB captain

RCB) for the inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL).RCB had bought Smriti for Rs 3.40 crore in the recent auction held in Mumbai. It was the highest price for a player in the WPL auction.The announcement was made through a video shared on the franchise's social media handles, which had messages from RCB talisman Virat Kohli and current men's team skipper Faf du Plessis."Now it's time for another No. 18 to lead a very special RCB team in WPL. Yes, we are talking about Smriti Mandhana. Go on Smriti. You will have the support of the best team and the best fans in the world," Kohli said.

On announcing Mandhana as the captain, RCB chairman Prathmesh Mishra said: "Smriti is central to our play bold philosophy and cricketing plans. We have handed her the leadership role, and we are confident that Smriti will lead RCB into greater heights."On her role as the RCB women's team captain, Mandhana said: "It is such a great feeling to see Virat and Faf speak so much about leading RCB and 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. I promise you to give my 100% to lead RCB to success in WPL."As an opener, the southpaw has made 2661 runs from 113 WT20Is, averaging 27.15 with a strike-rate of 123.19.

1/15RCB squad for Women's Premier League 2023Show Captions<p>RCB was on a spending spree in the inaugural WPL auction, having exhausted Rs 7.10 crore out of Rs 12-crore purse on four players.</p><p>Smriti Mandhana stole the thunder as RCB pipped Mumbai Indians in a bidding war to buy the India vice-captain for Rs 3.40 crore.</p><p>RCB got New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine dirt cheap at a base