Former Team India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik praised Smriti Mandhana for her leadership abilities and compared her calm attitude with that of great captain MS Dhoni. Speaking on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru Podcast (RCB), Karthik highlighted his ability, authority and ability to manage the team effectively.
Royal Challengers Bangalore won their second Women’s Premier League title by defeating Delhi Capitals in the final in February 2026. Chasing 204 runs in the summit clash, Mandhana scored 87 runs in 41 balls, which included 12 fours and 3 sixes. The left-handed batsman has been a key player for the franchise in the WPL.
She is a leader, she knows what she is doing – Dinesh Karthik praises Smriti Mandhana
Dinesh Karthik said that Smriti Mandhana shows a clear understanding of her role while leading Royal Challengers Bangalore. She said she handles herself well during high-pressure games in the Women’s Premier League and understands match situations quickly.
“One of the favorite things about Mandhana is the way she carries herself and has clarity in everything she is doing, she is really sure-footed, she is a leader, she knows what she is doing, her ability to understand the situation is very intuitive,” Karthik, RCB’s batting coach in the IPL, told the club’s official website.
Dinesh Karthik compared Smriti Mandhana with MS Dhoni
Dinesh Karthik further praised Smriti Mandhana’s leadership style. He compared her qualities to MS Dhoni, saying that Mandhana gives players the freedom to express themselves while remaining a reliable presence whenever guidance is needed.
Karthik said, “She gives us the freedom to do what we want, she allows us to do what we want, plus, if we have any doubts, she is there. And think, the last person I heard about who had similar qualities was MS Dhoni, very kind.”
Mandhana has led Royal Challengers Bangalore since the Women’s Premier League began in 2023. Under his captaincy, the team has won two titles in four seasons, which has strengthened his leadership qualities.
Smriti Mandhana named in Indian squad for 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
Smriti Mandhana is part of India’s squad for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the team in the upcoming tournament. India have selected a balanced squad with experienced players and emerging talent with the aim of winning their first Women’s T20 World Cup title.
Nandini Sharma has earned her maiden ICC World Cup call-up after a strong domestic performance. His aggressive batting and ability to accelerate in the middle overs fills a vital void in knockout matches. Mandhana will play a key role at the top, while Shafali Verma can provide fast starts.
The middle order includes Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh. Deepti Sharma is at the forefront among all-rounders. Radha Yadav and Asha Shobhana handle the spin, while Renuka Singh leads the pace attack, supported by young seam options.
Also read: Ban looming? Rajasthan Royals in serious trouble as explosive claims emerge after $1.635 billion deal
