Royal Challengers Bengaluru got off to a perfect start in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 defeating Mumbai Indians in their very first match of the season and setting the tone for the campaign. While the on-field performance gave RCB fans plenty to cheer about, the off-field entertainment added an extra layer of joy as Smriti Mandhana sat down for a light-hearted chat with the ever-popular Mr Nags, played by Danish Sait, on the RCB Insider show.
“Is the World Cup More Important than WPL?” Mr Nags Puts Smriti Mandhana on the Spot
If there is one thing RCB fans love almost as much as Number 18, it is Mr Nags’ constant ability to bring humour, sarcasm, and playful discomfort to interviews. And paired with fan favourite Smriti Mandhana, the episode delivered exactly that. Known for its quirky tone, RCB Insider thrives on banter rather than rehearsed answers, and this conversation was no exception.
The laughter began early when Nags threw a deliberate question at Mandhana: is the World Cup more important than the WPL? Smriti burst into laughter, an answer in itself. Seizing the moment, Nags quipped, “Okay that’s why you got a tattoo of the WC and not the WPL trophy.” Smriti then opened up about the story behind it, saying, “I never had tattoos, I always told the girls that we’ll win the World Cup, and I’ll get a tattoo.”
Nags, quick to twist words for comedy, concluded that this meant Smriti believed winning the WPL wasn’t important. Mandhana was quick to clarify that the World Cup had been a childhood dream, something she had imagined long before the WPL even existed. The distinction was heartfelt, grounding the humour in perspective and honesty.
The conversation then shifted to RCB’s roller-coaster journey in the WPL. Nags pointed out the pattern: losing the first season, winning the second, and losing the third. Smriti jokingly suggested, “I think we will win alternate seasons.” That was enough for Nags to pounce: “Are you saying this year again RCB is winning?” Smriti, smiling but cautious, replied with one of the episode’s most telling lines: “One thing that RCB has taught me is to never speak too early.” It was a statement born from experience, and one RCB fans know all too well.
Mandhana’s consistency was another highlight. She finished as the highest run-getter for the second time in a row in 2025, an achievement that invited another mischievous question. Nags asked whether she credited herself or “the terrible bowling.” Without hesitation, Smriti answered, “I give credit to myself, if the bowling was terrible, everyone would have achieved it.” It was a confident response delivered with a smile, showcasing both belief and her knack for dodging traps with grace.
As the mood softened, Nags asked her to share something emotional about the World Cup that she hadn’t said before. Smriti revealed that she hadn’t done any interviews since the tournament and that this was her first one. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “The World Cup was special, that was an unreal moment, and I feel those are the best memories, I mean the girls are so nice.”
Smriti Mandhana will lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Monday, 12 January 2026, as they take on the UP Warriorz, who are still in search of their first win of the season. With confidence flowing after a strong start RCB will hope their captain continues to set the tone, both with the bat and in belief as the campaign gathers momentum.
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