What Virat Kohli has achieved for RCB, I would like to try and do that: Smriti Mandhana

Team India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has expressed her thoughts on playing in the inaugural Women's Premier League 2023 (WPL), and also on the comparisons with former India and Royal Challengers Skipper Virat Kohli.

RCB will kickstart their WPL campaign against Delhi Capitals at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. Smriti Mandhana will be leading the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the tournament's first edition, which kicked off on March 4, Saturday.

Interestingly, Smriti Mandhana and Virat Kohli share three similarities with respect to their T20 league franchises.. Both play for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, both have donned the captaincy hat for the franchise at a point in time, and both wear No.18 on their jerseys.

"I don't like the kind of comparison because what he (Kohli) has achieved is amazing. I just hope that I reach that level, but I'm nowhere near. What he has achieved for this franchise (RCB), I would like to try and do that," the 26-year-old said while speaking to reporters ahead of the RCB versus DC clash.

The explosive opening left-handed batter made a clear point on not wanting to be constantly compared with Virat Kohli. She said that she respected and admired Virat Kohli a lot and what the 34-year-old had achieved for RCB is something she would try and emulate. But she believes that her achievements should not be compared with that of Virat's. She also stated that she wanted to make a name for herself and ensure to achieve as much as possible for RCB.

First game of WPL a big moment for all of us: Mandhana

Mandhana went on to state that the WPL was definitely something which was long-awaited, and it still feels surreal that it is happening. She believes the WPL should be treated as a tournament where players from all over the world come together on a common platform and have each other's backs. 

"Well yeah, definitely a big moment for I think all of us including all the overseas (players) as well because it is first ever WPL match. We have been part of teams where we have played in pressure situations. One thing we always tell and that is the one thing that we have to go and enjoy and have each other's back."

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