In a touching display of support, Smriti Mandhana, the skipper of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), was left emotional and speechless as she received a rousing ovation from the crowd at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru during their tournament opener against UP Warriorz in the 2024 edition.
Reception
As Mandhana stepped out for the toss ceremony, the Chinnaswamy Stadium erupted with loud cheers, leaving the RCB captain overwhelmed by the love shown to her by the home crowd. The outpouring of support from the RCB fans, who turned up in large numbers for the team’s first match of the tournament, left Mandhana visibly emotional and speechless for a brief moment.
Viral Reaction
The heartwarming moment of Mandhana’s reaction to the ovation quickly spread across social media platforms, with fans and cricket enthusiasts alike sharing the touching display of appreciation from the Chinnaswamy faithful.
Winning Start
On the field, RCB kicked off their 2024 campaign with a thrilling victory over UP Warriorz in a last-ball encounter. The Bengaluru-based team clinched a two-run win, with Indian spinner Sobhana Asha starring with a five-wicket haul, making her the first Indian bowler to achieve this feat in the league. Additionally, Richa Ghosh’s explosive innings of 62 runs off just 37 balls set the tone for RCB’s victory.
Redemption
After a forgettable outing in the inaugural edition of WPL, where they failed to make the playoffs, RCB is determined to redeem themselves in the 2024 season. Mandhana, who struggled with the bat in the previous season, aims to lead her team to success with improved performances.
Highest Paid Player
Mandhana, the Indian vice-captain, remains the highest-paid player in the WPL, underlining her importance to the RCB squad. Her staggering auction price of Rs. 3.4 crore in the 2023 auction reflects the faith and investment placed in her by the team management.
Chinnaswamy
In stark contrast to the preceding 2023 season, which unfolded amidst the bustling metropolis of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) now stand on the precipice of a thrilling opportunity. With the upcoming season beckoning, the esteemed franchise finds itself poised to grace the hallowed turf of their beloved fortress, the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium.
This homecoming injects an electrifying surge of anticipation and fervor into the hearts of fans and players alike, as they eagerly anticipate the resumption of cricketing battles on familiar turf.
