The players’ auction for the inaugural season of the Women’s T20 League was held on February 13 and all five franchises have made their squads. All the teams will be in action in March. Bangalore became the first team to announce its captain in this league as they named Indian start opener Smriti Mandhana as their captain.
Former Bangalore Captain Virat Kohli and current captain Faf Du Plessis announced the captain of the Bangalore-based team in a video. In this video, Kohli said that captaining Bangalore for almost a decade has been very special for him and he is happy that another jersey number 18 has got the captaincy of this franchise.
“Now it’s time for another Number 18 to lead a very special Bangalore team in the Women’s T20 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,” Virat Kohli said in the announcement video.
Bangalore men’s team’s captain Faf du Plessis further added, “I’m very confident that our women’s captain has all the attributes to lead the franchise. All the very best, Smriti Mandhana. See you at the games.”
I’m looking forward to receiving all the love: Smriti Mandhana
The newly-appointed captain of the Women’s team also had a few words as she thanked the Bangalore management team management for trusting her with the leadership role.
“I would like to thank Bangalore management for giving me this amazing opportunity. I’m looking forward to receiving all the love and support from you fans, who I’m told are the best in the world. And I promise you to give my 100% to lead Bangalore to success in the league,” said the left-handed opener.
Bangalore have appointed Australia‘s Ben Sawyer as the head coach for the Women’s T20 League. Meanwhile, the head of scouting, Malolan Rangarajan, has been appointed as the assistant coach. Former India opener Vanita VR has been named the fielding coach of the team. She was a part of the scouting team. RX Murali has been appointed as the batting coach of the team for the 2023 season. India’s Tennis star Sania Mirza will be the mentor for the team.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Waara title for chokali
— R. (@CV7lliPxcked) February 18, 2023
You won nothing bro in 9 years of your captaincy
— Antimonitor77 (@antimonitor77) February 18, 2023
Panoti last position fixed for Harcb in both Wpl and Ipl
— Verot Kolhi (@Verot_Kolhi) February 18, 2023
No way Chokli said that you will have the support of best team😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/jgdNxzVvQV
— MI REIGN (@MI_Reign_) February 18, 2023
kohli indirectly saying another 13 years of trophyless session for rcb in wpl 😭😭
— 𝗔𝘆𝘂𝘀𝗵 🇮🇳 (@RofiedAyush) February 18, 2023
Aj spinner lega Teri😂Ipl me hi rah ja
— Islam zindabad (@sasukeksu) February 18, 2023
Lag gyi panoti😜
— Anshul (@Anshulkhandal03) February 18, 2023
special in choking……
— Sahil Kumar (@SahilKu06742800) February 18, 2023
