I will take the blame as well: Smriti Mandhana after RCB’s defeat against UP Warriorz

The losing rut for the Royal Challengers Bangalore continued as they failed to get off the block with UP Warriorz registering a 10-wicket win against them. Sophie Devine and Ellyse Perry were the sole beacons of hope for RCB in the midst of what seemed like the deepest depths of despair.

Smriti Mandhana failed to get off to a decent start with the bat as she was dismissed for just 4 before Devine and Perry rotated the strike well and found boundaries to keep RCB in the hunt for a big score. However, a flurry of wickets in the middle order bowled out RCB for 138, and the total was easily chased down by UP. 

Speaking at the post-match conference, RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana said, “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.”

She further added about the plot in the middle-order, stating, “We spoke about it before this match that we will try to take 7-8 runs per over but it did not work out today. As top-order batters, we need to bat well and put up a good total to defend. We don't have injuries. We are trying to get a balanced team that can win us a game. I have tried to speak to almost all the players, pep them up and I have to keep doing it. Last week was tough. Lots to reflect and lots to work on.”

Talking about being supported in the murkiest of times, Smriti said, “A lot of people have reached out to me and as an international cricketer, we have faced these situations before. I have my family around me but I always believe that you have to sit by yourself and rectify your mistakes.”