Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana are diametrically opposite public personalities.

Smriti can find the humour in every situation, while the aggressive batter that Harmanpreet is on the field gives way to an astute defender in front of a microphone.

The Indian captain and deputy, the only two victorious skippers in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), will headline the opening clash of the 2026 chapter between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and defending champion Mumbai Indians at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Friday.

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Their endearing camaraderie aside, Smriti promptly said, “It’s not a bad thing to win matches against your friends. I hope she does well, but we win.”

The WPL brings back the World Cup-winning Indian team, now scattered across five franchises, back to D.Y. Patil Stadium, the very venue of that famous title triumph.

“The only conversation around the World Cup I had was with the groundsman. I asked him if this is the semifinal wicket or the final wicket,” Smriti quipped before adding, “Whenever we enter the ground, we remember where the last catch was taken and what happened after that. Even if we return after 20 years, it will all be clear to us. Maybe tomorrow, if she (Harmanpreet) is standing at covers, I’ll tell my team not to hit there.

We are not satisfied with just one World Cup. Not just us, other players are also strategising with this mindset. That shows the impact the WPL has had. They are playing with and against overseas players, and the gap that existed before isn’t anymore.”

Apart from this being a crucial learning opportunity for young players, Smriti and Harmanpreet admitted they each had plenty to learn from one another.

“When we’re playing together, Smriti likes to keep discussing the players we’re playing against, and it’s good to have that around you because I’m busy doing other things. She’s someone who’s coming and giving me feedback whenever I need it in the field. She’s good with her stats on the opponents, and whenever I need that, she’s there with the information. I’ve learnt that from her,” Harmanpreet pointed out.

“I’m trying to learn aggression… It’s not coming to me,” Smriti sheepishly followed.

“You don’t need to learn that,” an embarrassed Harmanpreet replied with a big smile.

“Harman is a fierce leader. She’s really passionate about the way she leads. The passion in her eyes is very motivating for the rest of us. It’s something I want to learn,” Smriti explained.

As far as learning goes, Smriti was tickled by the idea of pursuing her medium pace bowling career under RCB’s new bowling coach and veteran England quick Anya Shrubsole.

“I think Anya will kill me if I tell her to work on my bowling. There’s a lot of work to do there,” she chuckled.

“I’ve known Anya for a very long time, through the Kia Super League and The Hundred. I love how she thinks about bowling and how clear she is with her plans. I am happy so many Indian girls will get to pick her brain on how they can get better. As for me, if the word comes from top management,” she said, pointing subtly to Harmanpreet, “then I will work on it but here, it’s not happening.”

Published on Jan 08, 2026