Insights into the planning and strategy behind signing RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana at the WPL Auction

The women’s T20 World Cup 2023 culminated in a disappointing end for Team India, with a close loss to defending champions Australia in the semifinal.  However, another glistening chapter awaits the Indian women and that is the first edition of the WPL, where 5 teams will battle for the tag of inaugural champions.

Royal Challengers Bangalore made some terrific signings at the auction, headlined by the signing of star batter Smriti Mandhana for INR 3.4 Crore - the highest-paid player from the WPL Auction. 

Landing a big name in an auction at a premium is always a special feeling but it needs a lot of strategy and planning to pull that off in the heat of the moment.

RCB is no exception to the same and their seasoned panel of coaches and support staff featuring the likes of Mike Hesson, Vanitha VR, Malolan Rangarajan, Prathmesh Mishra and Rajesh Menon were at the top of their game at the auction table.

In the latest video on the official Youtube channel of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, they came forth with crucial insights on how they planned to sign Smriti Mandhana. Hesson, the Director of Cricket Operations at RCB, was clear about the fact that they wanted a face to represent the team and also bring firepower to the unit. Instead of splurging the amount on two players who would fulfil these roles, the management was clear that Smriti ticks both boxes.

Rajesh Menon, VP & Head at RCB, was heard stating that there is going to be just one opportunity for them to get this correct and irrespective of the tipping point, they will push as far as they can to sign Mandhana. Hesson also highlighted that RCB is a brand and the left-hander was the best available player in the auction. INR 3.5 crore was reserved for the hard-hitting opener and they got her for INR 3.4 crore.

Prathmesh Mishra, chairman of the Royal Challengers Bangalore also had an in-depth discussion about this move where he pointed out that as opposed to the men’s IPL, the highest paid cost for a player is 22% of the total purse wherein Smriti’s price of INR 3.5 crore was 37% of the total budget.

Mike Hesson responded by saying that the supply and demand of players who can change the game almost single-handedly are on the lesser side and Smriti Mandhana is definitely one of them. Hesson also explained that he set the bar extremely high as he wanted to be certain that the Indian opener can be signed by RCB at all costs.