Former Team India goalkeeper Dinesh Karthik praised Smriti Mandhana for her leadership and compared her calm approach to legendary captain MS Dhoni. Speaking on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) podcast, Karthik highlighted his composure, authority and ability to manage the team effectively.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their second Women’s Premier League title by defeating Delhi Capitals in the final in February 2026. Mandhana scored 87 off 41 balls, including 12 fours and 3 sixes, while chasing 204 runs in the summit clash. 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 the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. She added that she behaves well and reads match situations quickly during high-pressure Women’s Premier League matches.

“One of Mandhana’s favorite things, the way she carries herself and the clarity she has with what she is doing, she really says it for sure, she is a leader, she knows what she is doing, her ability to grasp the situation is very intuitive,” Karthik, RCB’s batting coach in the IPL, told the club’s official website.

Dinesh Karthik compares Smriti Mandhana to MS Dhoni

Dinesh Karthik further praised Smriti Mandhana’s leadership style. He said Mandhana gives players freedom to express themselves and at the same time remains a reliable presence when guidance is needed, comparing his qualities with that of MS Dhoni.

“She gives us the freedom to do whatever we want, she allows us to do whatever we want, at the same time, if we have any doubts, she is there. And guess what, the last person I heard who had a similar attribute was MS Dhoni, very nice,” Karthik said.

Mandhana has led Royal Challengers Bengaluru since the Women’s Premier League began in 2023. Under her captaincy, the team won two titles in four seasons, strengthening her leadership credentials.

Smriti Mandhana named in India squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

Smriti Mandhana is part of India’s squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the team in the upcoming tournament. India has selected a balanced team with experienced players and emerging talents with the aim of winning their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title.

Nandini Sharma earned her first call-up to the ICC World Cup after solid domestic performances. His aggressive batting and ability to accelerate in the middle overs addresses a key gap in the knockout matches. Mandhana will play a key role at the top while Shafali Verma can provide quick starts.

The middle order includes Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh. Deepti Sharma leads the all-rounders. Radha Yadav and Asha Sobhana handle spin, while Renuka Singh leads the pace attack, backed by younger seam options.

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