'Very excited to wear the Red, we will try to win the cup' - Smriti Mandhana reacts to getting picked by RCB in WPL 2023 auction

With the inaugural Women’s Premier League auctions underway, India’s ace-batter Smriti Mandhana struck gold as she triggered a bidding war between the Mumbai Indians and the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The Indian opener was bought by RCB finally at a whopping price of 3.4 crore.

Mandhana could not control her happiness after being picked by RCB. In a video that went viral, she was seen celebrating her selection with Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Shafali Verma, and many other players. She also reflected on how she was feeling after becoming one of the costliest players at the inaugural auction.

"We have been watching an auction of men, and I was glued to them. It is such a big moment for us to have a auction of this sort. The whole thing is exciting. RCB has a great legacy and has built a great fan base. Excited to be part of such a big franchise. Very excited to be wearing that red color, and we will try to win the cup," said Mandhana.

Royal Challengers Bangalore continue their spending spree

Royal Challengers Bangalore was one of the highest spenders in the WPL's inaugural auction. Apart from getting Indian opener Smirti Mandhana, the Bengaluru-based franchise also roped in Sophie Devine, Ellyse Perry, Renuka Singh, and Richa Ghosh as well.

"Everyone knows Mandhana and Perry, we were pretty committed to the couple of people we wanted to get. we're very happy to get such quality players. it's a dream result for us to get Mandhana, Perry, and Devine. Smriti has got plenty of captaincy experience and is familiar with the Indian conditions, so it's highly likely [she'll be captain]," RCB Director of Cricket Mike Hesson said in the press conference.

RCB’s side looks strong going into the WPL. The team went for the big names right from the start and managed to get most of the players that they wanted and it remains to be seen how their final squad looks.