The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have named Smriti Mandhana as the women's team captain ahead of the inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) 2023. Smriti Mandhana, a left-handed India batter, was signed in the recent WPL auction in Mumbai for Rs 3.40 crore, the highest price for a player in the WPL auction. "Smriti is central to our Play Bold philosophy and cricketing plans," said Prathmesh Mishra, Chairman of the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

We have delegated leadership to her, and we are confident that Smriti will take RCB to new heights." Smriti Mandhana, the RCB women's team captain, stated: "It's an incredible feeling to hear Virat and Faf speak so passionately about leading RCB, and I'd like to thank RCB management for this incredible opportunity. I am looking forward to receiving all of your love and support, which I am told are the best in the world. I promise to give you my all in order to lead RCB to WPL success.

"Mandhana is a top batter in women's cricket who has made a significant impact in the T20 format over the last decade. Smriti has scored 2,661 runs in 113 WT20Is, averaging 27.15 and striking at a strike rate of 123.19. The RCB men's team captain, Faf du Plessis, welcomed women to the Play Bold fold, saying: "RCB has had a fantastic couple of months, first acquiring a Women's Cricket team and then assembling a really strong team. I am confident that our Women's team Captain possesses all of the qualities required to lead RCB.

Very best wishes See you at the games, Smriti Mandhana." Former RCB captain Virat Kohli, whose association with the team dates back 16 seasons, said in welcoming Mandhana to the team: "A captain is more than just a group leader; he is someone who creates a culture and carries on the legacy by earning the respect of everyone around him. Faf did an outstanding job of assisting everyone to grow and excel under his leadership. I had a great time playing alongside him.

Now it's time for another No. 18 to take the helm of a very special RCB team in the Women's Premier League. Go well, Smriti (Mandhana), you will have the support of the world's best team and fans." Smriti has also been a popular T20 player, appearing for the Brisbane Heat, Sydney Thunder (Women's Big Bash League), Western Storm (Kia Super League), and Southern Brave (The Hundred). Smriti is also a highly decorated player, having won the ICC Women Cricketer of the Year award in 2021 after scoring 855 runs in 22 matches. She also won the Arjuna Award in 2018.