Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Smriti Mandhana grabbed headlines during the opening match of the Women’s Premier League 2026, not just for her on-field presence but also for an off-field moment that quickly went viral. Ahead of the high-profile clash against Mumbai Indians, Mandhana appeared visibly irritated when a cameraperson moved too close while she was taking throwdowns during her warm-up session.
The intrusion disrupted her preparation, prompting a clear reaction as she gestured in frustration and attemptedThe clip, widely shared across social media platforms, sparked discussions around player privacy and professionalism in broadcast coverage. Many fans and former players sympathised with Mandhana, pointing out that such interruptions during pre-match routines can break concentration, especially in high-pressure tournaments like the WPL. Others stressed the need for better coordination between production crews and teams to ensure players are given adequate space.
Despite the momentary distraction, Mandhana quickly shifted her attention back to the game. She led from the front as Royal Challengers Bengaluru edged past Mumbai Indians in a tense contest, clinching victory off the final ball. While Mandhana’s contribution with the bat was brief, her leadership and composure under pressure stood out.
But having said that, the incident served as a reminder of the fine balance between delivering engaging broadcast content and respecting the personal space of elite athletes preparing for competition.
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