Shocking Viral Moment Before WPL 2026: Smriti Mandhana Reacts Sharply to Cameraperson
Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Smriti Mandhana was left visibly irritated by a cameraperson ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season opener against Mumbai Indians on Friday at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
A short video clip showing the incident has since gone viral across social media platforms, sparking widespread discussion around player privacy and broadcast conduct during live sporting events.
What Happened Before the Match
The incident took place during RCB’s pre-match warm-up session. Mandhana was facing throwdowns in the middle when a cameraperson reportedly came unusually close to her while filming.
The proximity appeared to distract the Indian star, who was seen pausing her practice and gesturing in frustration. Mandhana’s body language clearly conveyed her displeasure at being interrupted during preparation for a high-pressure season opener.
Though the moment lasted only a few seconds, it quickly gained traction online once the clip surfaced.
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
The viral video drew mixed reactions from fans and observers.
Many supporters backed Mandhana, stressing that players deserve personal space and uninterrupted focus during warm-ups.
Others felt the incident was being over-analysed, pointing out that extensive camera coverage is common during high-profile tournaments like the WPL, especially involving marquee players.
Despite the online debate, no official complaint has been lodged by Mandhana or Royal Challengers Bengaluru management.
Mandhana’s On-Field Performance
Mandhana had a modest outing with the bat, scoring 18 off 13 deliveries before being dismissed. However, her impact as captain extended well beyond her individual contribution.
She remained actively involved in tactical decisions, field placements, and encouragement from the boundary as RCB navigated a tense run chase.
RCB eventually pulled off a thrilling three-wicket victory, largely powered by a sensational all-round performance from Nadine de Klerk, who smashed an unbeaten 63 and picked up four wickets.
A High-Profile Clash Lives Up to the Hype
The season opener featured a highly anticipated face-off between India’s ODI World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur, leading Mumbai Indians, and vice-captain Mandhana at the helm of RCB.
The contest lived up to its billing, delivering a dramatic finish that showcased the growing intensity, skill, and entertainment value of the WPL. De Klerk’s composure under pressure proved decisive as RCB successfully chased down 155 in dramatic fashion.
Mandhana Reflects on the Thrilling Win
Speaking during the post-match presentation, Mandhana expressed relief and happiness at being on the winning side of a close finish after enduring similar heartbreaks in the previous season.
“I think for the first match of the WPL, it was a thriller. And RCB are known to play thrillers. Last year, we were on the receiving end of these matches, so happy that we pulled it off,” Mandhana said.
She also praised the positive atmosphere within the team.
“Brilliant from Nadine to finish the match like that. Everyone was pretty positive. We were having a laugh. Even when things were not going well, everyone was pretty positive.”
World Cup Déjà Vu: Mandhana on De Klerk’s Finishing Ability
Mandhana recalled de Klerk’s match-winning knock against India during last year’s ODI World Cup, when the South African all-rounder guided her side to victory from a precarious position with an unbeaten 84* in Visakhapatnam.
“We saw that in Visakhapatnam when she played that innings against us during the World Cup,” Mandhana said.
“I was telling our head coach Malolan that we were in a similar situation again. When she got dropped, we just said—when we dropped Sajana, she got runs—let us hope Nadine gets a couple of sixes. And she actually got them.”
Focus Shifts Back to Cricket
While the viral video drew attention off the field, RCB’s dramatic opening-night win ensured that focus quickly returned to cricket. The victory gives Bengaluru early momentum in WPL 2026, while Mandhana’s calm leadership under pressure once again stood out.
Conclusion
The brief pre-match incident involving Smriti Mandhana highlights the ongoing conversation around player space in an era of constant broadcast coverage. However, the RCB captain ensured that the spotlight ultimately remained on performance rather than distraction, as her side began their WPL 2026 campaign with a statement victory.
Written By The Cricket Show:
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