Bengaluru: Reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), led by Smriti Mandhana, are gearing up for the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season with renewed vigor following a successful mini-auction in Bengaluru. The captain expressed her satisfaction, stating, “We received what we wanted, which has strengthened the team’s dynamic and preparedness for the challenges ahead.”
RCB’s standout acquisition was Uttarakhand leg-spinner Prema Rawat, secured for ₹1.2 crore, following her exceptional performance in the inaugural Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL). Smriti praised Prema’s capabilities, alongside those of the versatile additions—Keralan fast-bowling all-rounder Joshitha VJ, Raghvi Bist, and Mumbai’s Jagravi Pawar, each acquired for ₹10 lakh. These players have shown exceptional promise in domestic cricket and are poised to contribute significantly to RCB’s title defense.
Prema’s remarkable journey includes leading Mussoorie Thunders to UPL victory, while Joshitha, currently representing India U19 at the Asia Cup in Malaysia, showcased her skills at RCB’s pre-auction trials. Raghvi, a standout for India A during their Australia tour and a key player in India E’s Challenger Trophy win, brings her all-round prowess to the team. Jagravi, part of Mumbai’s victorious Senior Women’s T20 Trophy campaign, rounds out the quartet of fresh talent.
The formidable RCB squad for 2025 features a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging stars, including Ellyse Perry, Sophie Devine, and Renuka Singh. With this well-balanced lineup, Smriti and her team are ready to give their best for the passionate RCB fans, aiming for another triumphant season.
