My ultimate dream would be passing by road and watching women's team play gully cricket: Smriti Mandhana

Under the captaincy of Smriti Mandhana, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are preparing to defend their title in the upcoming third season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), set to begin on February 14.

The introduction of the WPL in 2023 was a significant milestone for women's cricket in India, and Mandhana believes that the league has played a crucial role in changing the narrative around the women’s game. The southpaw recalled an answer she had given in an interview three to four years ago about her ultimate dream for women’s cricket.

"I remember doing an interview three or four years back, and they asked me, 'What is your ultimate dream?' Of course, I said that winning the World Cup was all of those things, and then they asked me about a dream outside the cricket field and I thought to myself and then said that the ultimate dream would be just passing by the road and watching a women's team play a gully cricket match on the road. I think that would be my ultimate dream because we see that so much. I mean, the guys play and all of that," Mandhana said in an event arranged by Sports-Forward Nation.

Nowadays, you see a lot more women participation in gully cricket: Mandhana

The opener went on to mention that in today's age, women's participation in gully cricket has seen a rise, with two or three girls playing alongside a bunch of boys. 

"Nowadays you see a lot more women participation in gully cricket as well. We see 2 or 3 girls playing with 10 or 15 boys. But I think our team down the line would be just passing by or in my car or anywhere. I am just watching. Two women's teams, like playing cricket, no professional sport, nothing. They're just enjoying the sport. I think that would be cool," Mandhana added.

The RCB skipper's leadership has been crucial in guiding them to their maiden WPL title in 2024. After a disappointing campaign in the inaugural season, where the Bengaluru-based franchise finished second last, the team regrouped strongly under her captaincy.

Also Read: Women don't want equal money, we want equal respect: RCB captain Smriti Mandhana

With the 2025 season around the corner, RCB has made some additions to their squad. The franchise retained the Mumbai-born and 14 other players, while releasing six. In the recent mini-auction, RCB secured the services of England’s Danni Wyatt through a trade from UP Warriorz and made key signings, including leg-spinner Prema Rawat for INR 1.20 crore. Meanwhile, RCB's campaign opens against Gujarat Giants on February 14 at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.