'Lag gyi panoti' - Virat Kohli announces Smriti Mandhana as Bangalore's captain for Women's T20 League

Virat Kohli-Smriti Mandhana (source: Twitter)

Smriti Mandhana, who was the most expensive player at the first-ever Women's T20 League auction, has been named the captain of the Bangalore franchise. Smriti was Bangalore's first pick in the auction and was signed for Rs 3.4 crores. In a video shared by the franchise on Twitter, Virat Kohli and the men's team captain Faf du Plessis wished the opening batter all the best for the tournament, which begins next month.

The former Bangalore captain said, "Now it’s time for Another No.18 to lead a very special Bangalore team in Women's T20 League. Yes, We are talking about Smriti Mandhana, Go well Smriti. You have the support best team and the best fans in the world.”

Watch the video here: 

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. #PlayBold #WPL2023 #CaptainSmriti @mandhana_smriti pic.twitter.com/sqmKnJePPu

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) February 18, 2023

Franchise Chairman Prathmesh Mishra said that the management is confident that the India star batter will take the team to greater heights. "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 the Bangalore franchise to greater heights," Mishra said.

Responding to the video, Smriti said: "It is such a great feeling to see Virat and Faf speak so much about leading the Bangalore franchise and I would like to thank 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 her the best in the world and I promise you to give my 100% to lead Bangalore to success in Women's T20 League."

The entire cricketing community is excited to witness the first women's T20 league, while the men's league has been entertaining for years now. A total of five teams - Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Lucknow - will participate in the inaugural edition of the league.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka-based franchise received mixed reactions from fans after electing Smriti as their captain, trolling the team for not winning a trophy yet.

Here's how fans reacted to Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis' announcement: 

No. 18 >>>> Any other no.

— K (@goatkohIi) February 18, 2023

kohli indirectly saying another 13 years of trophyless session for rcb in wpl 😭😭

— 𝗔𝘆𝘂𝘀𝗵 🇮🇳 (@RofiedAyush) February 18, 2023

2 sec k liye laga Vk is back as RCB captain in that video!!

— Prateek Shivhare (@prateek0899) February 18, 2023

It's Time To Losse Another Trophy

— Aufridi Chumtya (@ShuhidAufridi) February 18, 2023

And end with hearts,kidneys and ee sala cup namdey.

— Yash (@RinaKum43107302) February 18, 2023

Now RCB will lose 2 times in a year

— kingofthekings (@Kingofkings2507) February 18, 2023

Every time you ppl hype RCB too much and every single time they fails to qualify 🤣💁

— Aryan Patel (@AryanPa31875583) February 18, 2023

Play bold ❤️ @mandhana_smriti.... Welcome caiptain ...#18 ❤️.....

— Fav18 (@Abhishe63327156) February 18, 2023