Smriti Mandhana Shuts Down Unwanted Virat Kohli Comparison After Historic WPL Win
Smriti Mandhana, the star opener and captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), shut down an unwanted question about Virat Kohli after guiding her team to their first-ever title win in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024.
Mandhana’s brilliant leadership and batting performance were instrumental in RCB’s victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) in a nail-biting final. While celebrating this momentous win, Mandhana was asked by a reporter to compare her achievement to Virat Kohli’s journey with the men’s RCB team.
Kohli, who has been the heart and soul of the RCB batting line-up since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL), is yet to lead his team to an IPL title. RCB has reached the finals thrice but hasn’t been able to cross the final hurdle.
In her response, Mandhana politely but firmly shut down the comparison, highlighting Kohli’s remarkable contributions to Indian cricket. “The title is one thing, but what he (Kohli) has achieved for India is remarkable. So, I don’t think that comparison is right in terms of where my career is and what he has already achieved,” Mandhana said.
She further explained her reasons for disliking the comparison. “The reason why I do not like the comparison is that what he has achieved is great; he has been an inspirational person. A title does not define a lot of things; we all respect him and I feel like the respect has to be right up there for Virat. So, there is nothing different from me as well,” Mandhana added.
Mandhana’s leadership and Kohli’s legacy are both noteworthy for RCB. While Kohli’s dedication and achievements for Indian cricket are undeniable, Mandhana’s contribution to women’s cricket and her role in bringing the WPL trophy to RCB is equally significant. Their journeys, though on different paths, are both inspiring for cricket fans.
FAQ on Smriti Mandhana shutting down Virat Kohli comparison
Q: What did Smriti Mandhana say about comparisons with Virat Kohli?
A: Mandhana shut down a reporter’s question comparing her WPL title win with Virat Kohli’s lack of IPL titles for RCB. She stated that Kohli’s achievements for Indian cricket are far greater and titles don’t define everything.
Q: Why did Mandhana dislike the comparison?
A: Mandhana respects Kohli’s immense contributions to cricket and believes his achievements shouldn’t be undermined. She feels a title win shouldn’t overshadow his legacy.
Q: How did Smriti Mandhana perform in the WPL 2024?
A: Mandhana led RCB to their first WPL title. While she scored 31 runs in the low-scoring final, her overall performance throughout the season with 300 runs in 10 games was crucial for their success.
Q: What about Virat Kohli’s IPL record for RCB?
A: Virat Kohli has been a stalwart batsman for RCB since the IPL’s inception but hasn’t been able to win the trophy. RCB reached the finals thrice under his leadership but fell short each time.
Q: What happened after RCB’s WPL win?
Smriti Mandhana, RCB’s captain, fielded a question comparing her WPL title to Virat Kohli’s lack of IPL wins for RCB.
Q: Why did reporters compare them?
Both Mandhana and Kohli are star players for RCB, with Mandhana leading the women’s team and Kohli leading the men’s team for years.
Q: How did Mandhana respond?
She respectfully shut down the comparison. While she celebrated the WPL win, she acknowledged Kohli’s legendary status, highlighting his achievements in Indian cricket. Titles, she said, aren’t everything.
: What happened after RCB’s WPL win?
Smriti Mandhana, RCB’s captain, fielded a question comparing her WPL title to Virat Kohli’s lack of IPL wins for RCB.
Q: Why did reporters compare them?
Both Mandhana and Kohli are star players for RCB, with Mandhana leading the women’s team and Kohli leading the men’s team for years.
Q: How did Mandhana respond?
She respectfully shut down the comparison. While she celebrated the WPL win, she acknowledged Kohli’s legendary status, highlighting his achievements in Indian cricket. Titles, she said, aren’t everything.
