WPL 2025: Smriti Mandhana believes there is always room for learning in terms of captaincy

In the third edition of the tournament, RCB will play Gujarat Giants in the opening match here on Friday

Vadodara: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Smriti Mandhana believes there is always room for learning in terms of captaincy and she has evolved as a cricketer while leading the side in the last two editions of the Women’s Premier League.

Under Mandhana’s captaincy, RCB won the second edition of WPL, beating Delhi Capitals by eight wickets last year. In the third edition of the tournament, RCB will play Gujarat Giants in the opening match here on Friday.

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“Captaincy is one thing which at any moment you can think that you know it all, cricket teaches you a lot of things that you think you knew but every day is a new experience. So, from the first year to the second year, there was a big shift in how I am.

“More than being captain there are a lot of changes as a person in the last 2-3 years in terms of my journey with RCB in WPL and the Indian team. So a lot of things that I learned and still a lot to learn. At any point anyone can’t think that they are a complete player,” Mandhana said in the pre-match press conference on Thursday.

Despite being troubled by a few injuries, Mandhana is happy with the squad at her disposal. “Really looking forward, had a good camp in Bengaluru. The girls are looking all prepped up, a lot of young ones have come in and got a lot of energy and the overseas players have also joined us in the last 2-3 days so looks like a complete squad and looking forward to the third edition,” she said.

“Injuries have been a big impact in the last one-and-a-half months for us post the auctions but injuries are something which are not in our hands. We had a good auction, we got really good youngsters and our overseas replacements are also quality players.” Mandhana was full of praise for Gujarat Giants, which will be led by a new captain Ashleigh Gardner of Australia this year.

“They look different, had a good auction. T20-wise all the five teams are balanced. It’s all about going there and trying to play the best brand of cricket and whoever plays the best cricket on that particular day will win.” Mandhana also said he has high regard for Gardner.