[Watch] WPL 2026: Smriti Mandhana gets annoyed by cameraman's antics ahead of season opener

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Smriti Mandhana was visibly irked by a cameraman's antics during her pre-match practice ahead of the Women's Premier League (WPL) clash against the Mumbai Indians (MI) on Friday, January 9, at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

Ahead of the much-anticipated clash, Mandhana was facing throw downs just outside the 30-yard circle. The cameraman almost stepped into the silly point position to catch a good glimpse of the southpaw playing her shots. He was moving forward as the ball was reaching the Indian vice-captain.

After blocking the delivery, Mandhana looked disappointed and reacted by giving the cameraman a shoulder shrug and followed it up with a few words. The latter immediately turned to his right and moved away from the area.

The entire incident was recorded by a fan on his phone, and the video went viral on social media within a few minutes.

Watch the video below:

RCB@RCBtweetzz

Cameraman not leaving Smrithi alone to practice and see Smrithi’s reaction 😂

06:28 PM · Jan 09, 2026

6.4K144

While Mandhana failed to deliver in the match, scoring a 13-ball 18, Nadine de Klerk slammed a blinder of a half-century to help RCB get past the defending champions in their opening encounter. The South African all-rounder followed up her four-for with the ball with a 44-ball 63 not out with the bat to help RCB register a three-wicket win off the last delivery. They chased down a 155-run target, amassing 20 runs off the last over bowled by Nat Sciver-Brunt.

Brilliant from Nadine to finish the match like that: Smriti Mandhana

Mandhana was elated after winning the thrilling contest, mentioning that the rub of the green didn't go their way in close games last season. She also praised de Klerk for her sensational contribution in finishing the innings.

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"Yeah, I think for the first match of the WPL, it was a thriller. And RCB are known to play thrillers. Last year, we were on the receiving end of these matches, so happy that we pulled it off," Mandhana said.

"Brilliant from Nadine to finish the match like that. Everyone was pretty positive. We were having a laugh. Even when things were not going well, everyone was pretty positive. I think everything we can say now because we won - it’s easier. But yeah, otherwise as well, the preparations have been really nice," she added.