Smriti Mandhana Hit by Ball During WPL Toss, Surprised but Unharmed

Smriti Mandhana, the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), experienced an unexpected incident during the toss of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) match against Mumbai Indians (MI) held at the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium. As both team captains prepared for the customary toss, a ball struck Mandhana, catching her by surprise.

The current season of WPL began on a positive note for RCB as they achieved two consecutive victories. This match against Mumbai Indians marked their first game of the season at their home venue. Smriti Mandhana, who led RCB to a triumphant win in the previous WPL season, walked onto the field confident of beginning their home journey on a strong note.

However, during the toss, an unexpected turn of events took place. A stray ball hit Mandhana on her leg. Although initially surprised, she was unharmed. Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of Mumbai Indians, attempted to shield Mandhana from the ball, showing sportsmanship amidst the competitiveness.

Despite the incident, the toss proceeded without further ado, with Mumbai Indians winning it and electing to bowl first. This strategic choice aimed to leverage early bowling conditions against RCB’s strong batting lineup, led by Mandhana herself.

Mumbai Indians, known for their performance as winners of the inaugural WPL season, aimed to bounce back after an opening match defeat earlier in the 2025 season. They were determined to disrupt RCB’s winning start to the season and establish momentum with a victory at Chinnaswamy.

Both teams have rich histories in WPL. RCB, fresh off their victorious campaign, seem poised to defend their status, while MI looks to reclaim their standing as one of the top sides in the league. This match, and future encounters in this season, bear great significance on the league standings as teams vie for the prestigious title.

The occurrence at the toss added an intriguing layer to the game dynamics, showcasing unpredictable elements of cricket. Such incidents highlight the spirited yet supportive nature of the sport beyond its competitive surface.