Following Royal Challengers Bangalore's historic triumph in the WPL 2024, securing their maiden franchise T20 title in Indian cricket competitions, captain Smriti Mandhana reflects on the emerging trend of Indian skippers leading their teams to victory, highlighting its positive impact on women's cricket leadership.
In the previous edition, Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of Mumbai Indians, clinched the inaugural WPL title at the Brabourne Stadium. Fast forward to this year, Smriti led RCB to a resounding victory over Delhi Capitals by eight wickets, witnessed by a spirited crowd of 29,131 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Recalling last year's final between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, Smriti expressed her admiration for Harmanpreet's leadership, admitting her desire to see an Indian captain emerge victorious in the debut edition of WPL, even if it wasn't herself.
"Last year, when Mumbai Indians faced Delhi Capitals in the final, despite having many friends in Delhi, I secretly wished for Harman to lift the trophy. If not me, then it had to be Harman," Smriti confessed during the post-match press conference.
Reflecting on her own victory, Smriti humbly acknowledged the depth of Indian cricket and emphasized that this triumph marks just the beginning for Indian captains in the cricketing arena.
As the jubilant RCB players celebrated their win on the field, Smriti opted for a more reserved celebration, retreating to the dressing room briefly before rejoining her team, basking in the glory of their achievement.
Expressing her satisfaction with Richa Ghosh's pivotal role in securing the victory, Smriti praised her teammate for overcoming the disappointment of a previous loss and delivering when it mattered most.
Acknowledging the unwavering support of fans and the RCB management throughout the tournament, Smriti lauded their resilience and dedication, emphasizing the bond between players and supporters as a driving force behind their success.
From the setback of WPL 2023 to the triumph of WPL 2024, Smriti acknowledged the journey as a significant learning curve, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and composure during crucial moments in the game.
Looking ahead, Smriti aims to strike a balance between aggression and caution in her approach to batting, recognizing the nuances of T20 cricket and the evolving demands of the game.
In conclusion, Smriti Mandhana's journey from adversity to triumph epitomizes the resilience and determination ingrained in Indian cricket, setting the stage for a promising future under the leadership of its talented captains
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