'She Doesn't Need To Prove Anything,' Mithali Raj Backs Bangalore Skipper

Banglore Women’s cricket team are off to a dreadful start in the inaugural season of the Women’s T20 League 2023. The team led by Smriti Mandhana have lost every match they have played so far and are placed in the bottom end of the points table with five losses. There are many reasons for their poor form in this league which includes errors in the skipper’s tactics and form with the bat which is leading to the team’s struggle this season. Fans erupted on social media handles like Instagram, Facebook, etc. and radiated their frustration towards the management and the skipper resulting in abusive and hateful comments. 

Bangalore lost their first and fifth game against Delhi and later to Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai side who totally outclassed Bangalore in every possible way. Things got worse when they lost their third match against Gujarat followed up by another humiliating loss against Uttar Pradesh. Despite all these losses, Smriti Mandhana-led side remains positive as they still have the chance to turn the tables and get qualified for the next stage of the tournament.

"I think in the last four games, it has been happening. We start well and we lose a cluster of wickets. I will take the blame as well. As a top-order batter, we need to put up runs on the board for the bowlers to defend," Mandhana voiced after the match against UP.

"We are trying to get a balanced team that can win us a game. I have tried to speak to almost all the players, and pep them up and I have to keep doing it. Last week has been tough. Lots to reflect on and lots to work on. A lot of people have reached out to me and as international cricketers, we have faced these situations before. I have my family around me always but I always believe that you have to sit by yourself and rectify your mistakes," the Indian team vice-captain added. 

Bangalore women's team bought the two-time International Player of Year award winner for a gigantic price tag of Rs 3.6 crore in the auction. Her tag of being not worthy as the most expensive player in the Women’s T20 League has also increased her burden of responsibilities and expectations. 

The former Indian Women’s team captain, Mithali Raj while commenting on Mandhana’s bad form said, "I think it's a thing (bad form) that comes in every athlete's career. I think the player that she is, I don't think she needs to prove anything. I am pretty sure she will find her way.”

In the next fixture, they face Delhi who will also look forward to bouncing back from their recent loss against Mumbai. Smriti Mandhana will definitely play the most influential role in the match as she needs to get back to her dazzling form in order to shut the mouths of her critics.