Smriti is in a really confident and happy space with her cricket and the leadership: RCB coach Luke Williams

In the build-up to the highly anticipated Women’s Premier League Season 2, all eyes are on Smriti Mandhana, the captain, and premier batter of the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The head coach, Luke Williams, is optimistic about the seamless sync Mandhana has found in juggling her twin duties.

Last season, Mandhana faced a daunting challenge in her dual role, resulting in a dip in her batting performance. Managing a mere 149 runs from eight matches with an average of 18 and a strike rate of 119, she struggled to shoulder both responsibilities effectively.

But this season unfolds a new narrative. Williams, displaying faith in Mandhana's readiness, noted that she is practicing exceptionally well. Mandhana seems to be in a confident and content space, balancing her cricketing prowess and leadership responsibilities. 

"She’s practising really well. She’s in a really confident and happy space with her cricket and the leadership. Obviously, there’s responsibility with captaining and opening the batting. But she’s got plenty of support from the team with lots of experienced seniors to help her and trying to really separate the two roles,” said Williams on Friday, a day ahead of RCB’s opening WPL 2024 match against UP Warriorz, as quoted by Sportstar.

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Acknowledging the challenges of the previous season, Williams highlighted the team's efforts to learn and improve. RCB, having finished fourth in the last season, appears more settled this time under Mandhana's leadership.

“I’ve been fortunate to have spent a fair bit of time with Smriti through my involvement at the Southern Brave (the Hundred team) as an assistant coach, and we’ve had lots of conversations around the learnings and experiences from the last (WPL) season, both as a team and as individuals. I “think we’ve really taken on board some of those learnings (from previous year),” he added.

Williams emphasized the positive impact of experienced players mentoring younger talents within the team, creating a confident atmosphere.

“This time Smriti and others have invested time with our players, and our senior players have been fantastic working with our young players and getting to know them and everyone is really starting to feel really comfortable and confident in the environment. We’re looking forward to taking those learnings into this year,” said Williams.

We’re really excited to have two bowlers who swing the ball in different directions: Williams

With a focus on a balanced squad, Williams highlighted the team's strategic approach in the auction, aiming for variety in both pace and spin departments. The inclusion of pacers Renuka Singh and Kate Cross is expected to give RCB an edge in the Power Play.

“We’re really excited to have two bowlers who swing the ball in different directions. But they’re both world class swing bowlers. They’re going to prove a real handful for the opposition with that swing.

“If you can get an early wicket, we can put pressure on the opposition and it is so important. So, we’re certainly looking at different options with how we go about our powerplay bowling. We were really keen to keep working on it and to make a real impact,” he added.

RCB, having undergone a 10-day camp, seem well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Williams emphasized the team's specific focus on various game scenarios during the camp, ensuring they are ready to face any situation in the upcoming tournament. The anticipation is high, and fans eagerly await to see if Mandhana's refined approach can propel Royal Challengers Bangalore to greater heights in Women’s Premier League Season 2.

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