Smriti Mandhana creates history as she becomes 1st Indian to sign WBBL pre-draft overseas contract, to play under RCB's WPL 2024-winning head coach

Mandhana has previously represented three more franchise in WBBL. She made her WBBL debut in 2016 for Brisbane Heat. In WBBL 2018, she moved to Hobart Hurricanes. Later, she played for Sydney Thunder since WBBL 2021. However, she opted out of WBBL 2022 and 2023.
 

Mandhana will be playing under Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024-winning head coach Luke Williams. The southpaw is excited to be reunited with Williams. The two have also worked together for The Hundred franchise Southern Brave.
 

"I always look forward to playing in Australia, and I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to a team with a history of success like the Strikers," Mandhana said. "I'm thrilled to continue working with Luke. Our previous experiences together have been so rewarding, and I'm looking forward to building on that."
 

Williams considers Mandhana a tremendous asset. He also said that the 28-year-old’s leadership expertise will come into play as well.
 

"Smriti is an exceptional talent, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the Strikers," Williams said. "Her technical skill, experience and strategic insights are a tremendous asset for us. I know firsthand the dedication and energy she brings to the team and on the field. Her expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we drive for success in the upcoming season."
 

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Mandhana’s WBBL record 

Mandhana has scored 784 runs from 36 innings at an average of 24.50 including one century and four half-centuries. Her unbeaten 114 against Melbourne Renegades is the second-highest score in WBBL history.