Smriti Mandhana found herself momentarily distracted ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s high-voltage clash against Mumbai Indians in the WPL 2026, as an overzealous cameraperson interrupted her batting practice moments before the game. The incident, captured on video and now widely circulating on social media, showed the RCB skipper visibly irritated as the cameraperson moved too close while she was facing throwdowns.
Mandhana was in the middle of an intense pre-match routine when the intrusion broke her concentration. The Indian star appeared unhappy with the lack of space, gesturing her displeasure before resuming practice. While such moments are rare, the clip quickly drew attention online, with fans debating the balance between broadcast access and player preparation.
Despite the brief disruption, Mandhana went on to contribute 18 runs off 13 balls in the match. Although her stay at the crease was short, RCB eventually emerged victorious in a thrilling contest, pulling off a stunning three-wicket win over defending champions Mumbai Indians, thanks largely to a sensational late assault from Nadine de Klerk.
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Chasing 155 for victory, RCB found themselves under pressure at 137/7, requiring 18 runs from the final over. De Klerk held her nerve under immense pressure, smashing a six and a boundary off the third and fourth balls to swing momentum RCB’s way. With eight needed off the final two deliveries, she cleared the ropes again before dispatching the final ball from Nat Sciver-Brunt to the boundary, sealing a dramatic win.
Cameraman not leaving Smrithi alone to practice and see Smrithi’s reaction 😂 pic.twitter.com/QVF8q4WTzw
— RCB (@RCBtweetzz) January 9, 2026
RCB finished on 157/7, with Prema Rawat unbeaten on eight. Earlier, the chase had swung wildly. After a brisk start from Mandhana and Grace Harris, RCB slumped from 47/2 in the fifth over to 65/5 by the eighth, losing three wickets in quick succession.
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Harris (25 off 12) and Mandhana had set the tone early, attacking Nat Sciver-Brunt and Shabnim Ismail to race to 20 without loss in two overs. However, MI clawed back through disciplined bowling, with Nicola Carey and Amelia Kerr picking up two wickets each.
In the end, de Klerk’s composure ensured that Mandhana and RCB had the final say on a night full of drama, both on and off the field.
