The inaugural Women’s Premier League auctions took place on February 13, and India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana made headlines as she triggered a bidding war between the Mumbai Indians and the Royal Challengers Bangalore and later was bought by RCB finally at a whopping price of 3.4 crore as well.

Smriti Mandhana could not control her happiness soon after being picked by RCB. In a video that went viral, she was seen celebrating with Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Shafali Verma, and many other players as well.

“We have been watching an auction of men, and I was glued to them. It is such a big moment for us to have a auction of this sort. The whole thing is exciting. RCB has a great legacy and has built a great fan base. Excited to be part of such a big franchise. Very excited to be wearing that red color, and we will try to win the cup,” said Smriti Mandhana.

READ MORE: ‘Could have gone deeper’ – Shubman Gill on his knock

Royal Challengers Bangalore, meanwhile bought Indian opener Smriti Mandhana, Sophie Devine, Ellyse Perry, Renuka Singh, and Richa Ghosh as well.

“Everyone knows Mandhana and Perry, we were pretty committed to the couple of people we wanted to get. we’re very happy to get such quality players. it’s a dream result for us to get Mandhana, Perry, and Devine. Smriti has got plenty of captaincy experience and is familiar with the Indian conditions, so it’s highly likely [she’ll be captain],” RCB Director of Cricket Mike Hesson said in the press conference.

ALSO READ: Viacom18 bags WIPL Media Rights for 5 years

RCB’s side looks quite strong going into the WPL 2023. The team went for the big names right from the beginning and managed to get most of the players they wanted in the team as well.