'We are not thinking about what has happened in terms of RCB as a franchise' - Smriti Mandhana displays optimism ahead of WPL 2024

Despite having very strong fan support, Royal Challengers Bangalore have failed to clinch the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 16 attempts. In 2023, when the franchise confirmed its participation in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), there was a lot of hope, especially after having a remarkable auction. However, even though they looked strong on paper, RCB finished fourth on the points table and failed to qualify for the playoffs.

Ahead of the new edition of the tournament, skipper Smriti Mandhana clarified that they have no pressure and not thinking at all about what happened with the men’s team. She believes that the RCB women’s team is fairly new and is aiming to lift the trophy in 2024 to give unparalleled joy to the loyal supporters of the franchise, who have been waiting since 2008. 

“For us as RCB women's team, we are all starting it as new. We are not thinking about what has happened in terms of RCB as a franchise. Definitely, RCB is a massive franchise, and the only thing more than pressure, if we go on to win the title, the kind of happiness that the loyal RCB fans will get is something which I am looking forward to.” Mandhana was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.

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There has been one massive change in the way people watch women's cricket: Mandhana

Over the last couple of years, a lot has changed in Indian cricket. WPL was launched, and equal pay for both men’s and women’s cricketers was announced along with more matches for the national team. Other than that, Mandhana believes that the fans now view women’s cricket in a different way, which has helped them grow. She acknowledges all the praises and criticisms over the last couple of years as she understands that fans are more invested in the game now.

“The change (in women's cricket) has been massive in the last 7-8 years, but the massive change I would say is the way people are looking at women's cricket and that is a really good thing. They are appreciating and criticizing us as well which is good because they feel attached to us. Apart from WPL and equal pay, I think this has been one massive change in the way people watch women's cricket,” Mandhana said.