In last year’s WPL 2023, Smriti Mandhana led the Royal Challengers Banglore but faced challenges in scoring runs, resulting in the teams’ early exit. As an opener for the team, she struggled for runs, accumulating only 149 runs in 8 matches at a strike rate of 111.19 and RCB could only manage to turn 2 games out of 8 in their favor. Reflecting on the challenges of the previous season, RCB’s Coach Luke Williams discusses Smriti Mandhana’s dual role as captain and opener
Luke Williams, the head coach of RCB sheds light on the team’s captain, Smriti Mandhana’s current state of confidence and contentment within her cricketing journey and leadership responsibilities. He emphasizes the dual roles, she undertakes as both captain and opener for the team. He acknowledges the weight of responsibility she has on her shoulders however Luke highlights the strong support system surrounding her, comprised of seasoned veterans within the team who provide invaluable guidance and assistance.
“She’s in a really confident and happy space with her cricket and the leadership. Obviously, there’s responsibility with captaining and opening the batting. But she’s got plenty of support from the team with lots of experienced seniors to help her and trying to really separate the two roles,” Luke Williams.
In the highlights of the previous season’s performance, Luke Williams reflects on the collective growth of the team embracing the insights garnered from past challenges from the previous season of the Women’s Premier League. He shared that they had numerous discussions within the team, both as a cohesive unit and as individual players. Williams shared the team’s approach towards incorporating these learnings and discussions to commit to continual improvement and development.
“We’ve had lots of conversations around the learnings and experiences from last (WPL) season both as a team and individual. I think we’ve really taken on board some of those learnings (from the previous year).”
Luke Williams, with his extensive coaching experience in T20 cricket who guided the Adelaide Strikers to the triumph in the Women’s Big Bash title, said this time the RCB has good options in pace and spin departments, particularly highlighting the depth and versatility within the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad, mentioning their strong presence in both pace and spin bowling departments this season.
Royal Challengers Banglore stands poised for the upcoming season with newfound wisdom and resilience, for a shared sense of purpose. They are primed to tackle the challenges that lie ahead fortified by their collective experiences and utmost determination to excel and win this year’s WPL title.
(Quotes sourced from PTI)