Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Smriti Mandhana has made it clear that India’s historic maiden ODI World Cup triumph is only the beginning, with the women’s team now setting its sights on sustained dominance across all formats. Speaking ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 opener, Mandhana underlined the role of the league in shaping a more complete, fearless and competitive Indian side.

RCB are set to take on defending champions Mumbai Indians, led by India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, at the DY Patil Stadium on Friday — a venue etched in Indian cricket folklore after the national team lifted its first global title there last November. The symbolism was not lost on Mandhana, who believes the momentum from that historic win must now translate into long-term excellence.

“Winning the ODI World Cup was special, but if we want to be the best team in the world, we know there is still a lot to improve,” Smriti Mandhana said during the pre-match press conference alongside Harmanpreet. She stressed that the WPL has become a vital bridge between domestic cricket and the international stage. “The WPL is going to close that gap for us and help players be ready for big tournaments,” she added.

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Mandhana reiterated that the Indian team’s conversations go beyond one-off success. “Whenever we play for India, we talk about being the best team across the year, across formats — not just peaking for one tournament. Every WPL season pushes us closer to that goal,” she said, highlighting the league’s growing influence on preparation, mindset and depth.

Harmanpreet echoed those sentiments, making it clear that the hunger within the squad has only intensified after the World Cup win.

“We are not satisfied with just one title. There is so much cricket ahead, and every time we step onto the field, we want to play with a winning mindset,” she said. The India captain credited the WPL for raising standards across the board, especially among younger players. “They are no longer in their comfort zone. The gap we used to feel when players came into international cricket isn’t there anymore,” Harmanpreet noted.

With the Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for June-July in England, Mandhana acknowledged that standout WPL performances could influence selection. “If someone has an exceptional season and fits what the team needs, there’s definitely a chance for them to be part of the World Cup squad,” she said, while stressing that balance and team combination would remain key factors.

Mandhana also revealed that RCB had clarity well before the auction that Australian star Ellyse Perry would miss this season.

“We knew she wanted a break, and our auction plans were built around that,” she said. While admitting Perry is irreplaceable, Mandhana expressed confidence in RCB’s youthful squad. “It’s a young group with great energy and camaraderie. There’s a real buzz in the camp.”

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Reflecting on the DY Patil Stadium, Smriti Mandhana admitted the memories from last November remain vivid. “We know exactly where the final catch was taken and everything that followed. Even after 20 years, those moments will stay with us,” she said with a smile, joking that if Harmanpreet tries to target that area during the match, she’ll warn her teammates: “Don’t hit there.”