Smriti Mandhana, the captain of RCB’s women’s team, emphasized the extensive effort the team has invested behind the scenes following a disappointing debut season in the WPL. RCB fell short of the playoffs in the first edition but made a significant turnaround this year, clinching a resounding victory over reigning champions Mumbai Indians to secure their advancement.

Reflecting on the previous season, Mandhana acknowledged, “We couldn’t perform the way we desired last year.” She highlighted the year-long dedication and hard work put in, not only by herself but also by the support staff and RCB management. “Their unwavering faith in us was truly remarkable,” she added.

Team transformation: overcoming setbacks and striving for success

Discussing the team’s approach, Mandhana mentioned, “They entrusted us with the team’s direction, allowing us to shape it according to our vision.” Despite experiencing ups and downs throughout the campaign, Mandhana acknowledged the unpredictable nature of WPL and T20 cricket.

Regarding their recent victory over Mumbai Indians, Mandhana stressed the importance of staying focused, noting that success was never guaranteed in cricket. “At the halfway stage, you can’t assume victory because cricket is an unpredictable game,” she concluded.

Reflections on Perry’s mastery and team strategy

Mandhana admired Perry’s exceptional bowling performance, expressing her delight at witnessing it firsthand from mid-off. She emphasized the need for the team to recognize the challenging conditions and focus on batting well. Mandhana commended Richa and Perry for their finishing prowess.

Discussing the team’s approach to qualification, Mandhana emphasized their determination to focus on winning their own games rather than worrying about other teams’ results. She highlighted the importance of simplifying the approach and credited the coaching staff, particularly Luke Williams, for their support and management of the team’s emotions.

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Mandhana also praised the emergence of local Indian talent in the WPL, citing memorable performances and expressing joy at seeing domestic players excel. She highlighted the significance of exposure for Indian players and the electric atmosphere at Chinnaswamy Stadium. Mandhana expressed excitement about the prospect of integrating these players into both domestic and international setups.