Smriti Mandhana’s Virat Kohli Video Call After WPL 2024 Final Win: Hardik Reacts on MI Captaincy
Smriti Mandhana, the captain of the winning Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team in the WPL 2024 final against Delhi Capitals, created a buzz on social media with her video call interaction with former India captain Virat Kohli while Hardik Pandya reacts on the wave of backlash from passionate Rohit Sharma fans.
During the post-match news conference, Smriti Mandhana disclosed that the women’s squad will be attending the RCB Unbox event on March 19.
In the WPL 2024 final on Sunday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals, Richa Ghosh attempted a lofty drive over extra cover to score the game-winning run for the former. Captain Smiti Mandhana leaped from her seat in a wild celebration, and Renuka Thakur and the other players ran onto the field. The RCB players celebrated joyfully, giving each other hugs as they hugged Richa and Ellyse Perry, the other batter on strike during the chase.
During the on-field celebration following the game, a photo and subsequently a video went viral on social media. Shortly after the game, before the rest of the players joined in, former captain of India and men’s RCB captain Virat Kohli made a video call to Mandhana.
RCB supporters praised Kohli’s gesture on social media. The performance, however, was a disaster since Mandhana later disclosed the conversation’s facts, claiming that the enthusiastic applause from the audience prevented her from hearing a word.
“It was too loud for me to hear what he was saying, so I just gave him the thumbs up and I’ll see him soon,” the woman stated.
However, the vice captain of India recalled the “little pep talk” that Kohli delivered the previous year during the first WPL season, when RCB had only managed two wins in eight games to finish fourth in the standings.
“He had a cheery smile on his face. He gave a brief pep talk to the team last year, and I recall how much that benefited me personally. I could see the joy on his face because he has been a part of this brand for, I believe, the past 15 years, but I was unable to hear him due to the loudness. Perhaps I will speak with him when we visit Bengaluru,” she continued.
The women’s team will be present at the RCB Unbox event on March 19 in Bengaluru, where the Faf du Plessis-led men’s team will open the IPL 2024 season against the reigning champion Chennai Super Kings on March 22. This information was disclosed by Mandhana during the post-match news conference.
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Hardik Pandya Addresses Backlash from Rohit Sharma Fans Over Mumbai Indians Captaincy in IPL 2024
In the realm of IPL 2024, a significant shift occurred when Hardik Pandya stepped into the captaincy role for Mumbai Indians, replacing the iconic Rohit Sharma. This move sparked a wave of backlash from passionate Rohit Sharma fans, prompting Hardik Pandya to address the situation.
Hardik Pandya’s journey saw him return to Mumbai Indians last year, where he not only rejoined the team but also assumed the crucial role of captaincy. The decision made by the Mumbai Indians management didn’t go unnoticed, stirring reactions from fans across India who were staunch supporters of Rohit Sharma’s leadership.
Reflecting on the transition, Hardik Pandya acknowledged the fans’ sentiments during a pre-season press conference. He expressed his respect for fan opinions while emphasizing his focus on the game and its demands. “I control the controllable,” Pandya stated, highlighting his mindset of concentrating on aspects within his control rather than external reactions.
Despite the public scrutiny, Pandya remains optimistic and determined to lead Mumbai Indians effectively. He emphasized the support he continues to receive from Rohit Sharma, citing the latter’s guidance and presence as invaluable assets. Pandya acknowledged Sharma’s legacy as the Indian captain, expressing his commitment to carrying forward the team’s success under Rohit’s leadership.
As the IPL 2024 season unfolds, Mumbai Indians under Hardik Pandya’s leadership will aim to reclaim their championship glory. The defending champions will face off against Gujarat Titans in their opening match, marking a new chapter in Mumbai Indians’ journey with a renewed focus and determination.
Stay tuned as Mumbai Indians, driven by Hardik Pandya’s leadership, strive for an unprecedented sixth IPL trophy, navigating challenges and expectations with resilience and teamwork.
