[WATCH] Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis announce Smriti Mandhana as captain of RCB women’s team for WPL 2023

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) players Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis on Saturday, February 18, announced Smriti Mandhana as captain of the franchise’s women’s team for the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023.

India Women's vice-captain Mandhana was the first player to go under the hammer at the WPL auction in Mumbai on Monday, February 13, ahead of the inaugural edition of the T20 league. She also ended up being the most expensive purchase, bought by RCB for ₹3.4 crore.

On Saturday, RCB’s official social media handles shared a video featuring senior batter Kohli and the current skipper of the franchise men’s team, Du Plessis. In the clip, the duo are seen revealing the name of the skipper of the RCB women's team. 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.”

While introducing Mandhana as the captain of Bangalore's women's team, Kohli said:

“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.”

Chipping in with his thoughts on RCB getting a women’s team, Du Plessis commented:

“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.”

The inaugural Women’s Premier League will be played in Mumbai from March 4 to 26.

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“Promise to give my 100 percent to lead RCB to success in WPL” - Mandhana

Reacting to her appointment as captain of RCB’s women’s team, Mandhana asserted that she would give her 100 percent to try and bring glory to the franchise. The 26-year-old said:

“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.”

RCB will begin their WPL 2023 campaign by taking on Delhi Capitals at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on March 5.