Kohli's Winning Inspiration for Smriti Mandhana and Teammates in WPL 2025 Opener: ‘Set Your Sights High...'

The Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara will host the opening match of the WPL 2025 season. Despite not making it to the playoffs in the tournament's inaugural edition, RCB turned their luck around in WPL 2024. They emerged victorious, clinching the title after a thrilling final against Meg Lanning's Delhi Capitals.

In a video message, Kohli asked Smriti Mandhana and co to play with freedom as the load is off their backs after winning the title last season.

“I would like to wish the women’s team all the very best for the upcoming WPL season. It’s amazing what you did last year and I just hope that you can continue to ride that momentum and take that confidence into this tournament as well,” Kohli said in the video.

“There’s no shortage of talent and we’ve seen last year as well and I’m sure that with the load off your back already of winning the title, you will go out there and express yourself and enjoy the support you get from fans all over India. So, I wish you all the best for the upcoming season,” Kohli added.

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RCB hit with injury woes

Smriti Mandhana's RCB have a lot of thinking to do as the franchise have been hit with several injury concerns. Sophie Molineux is out injured and Kate Cross has withdrawn from the season for injury rehab.

Ellyse Perry also recently sustained a hip injury during the Ashes. Spinners Asha Sobhana and Shreyanka Patil have also been recuperating from injuries and haven't played international cricket since October 2024.

RCB had earlier picked Heather Graham and Kim Garth as replacements for Sophie Devine and Kate Cross respectively.

Graham, the Australian all-rounder, has played 5 T20Is and 8 wickets to her name. Garth has represented Australia in 59 T20Is, 56 ODIs, and 4 Tests.

She has 764 T20I runs and 49 T20I wickets. Garth had previously played for Gujarat Giants (GG) in the WPL.

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