![[Watch] WPL 2026: Smriti Mandhana gets annoyed by cameraman's antics ahead of season opener](https://cricketmood.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1768021240248_Smriti-Mandhana.webp "[Watch] WPL 2026: Smriti Mandhana gets annoyed by cameraman's antics ahead of season opener 1")
Smriti Mandhana, captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), was visibly irritated by a cameraman’s antics during her pre-match practice ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) matchup against the Mumbai Indians (MI) on Friday, 9 January, at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.
Mandhana was facing throw downs just outside the 30-yard line prior to the highly anticipated matchup. The videographer almost went into the absurd point position to get a nice look of the southpaw taking her shots. He was moving forwards as the ball approached the Indian vice-captain.
After stopping the delivery, Mandhana appeared dissatisfied and responded by giving the cameraman a shoulder shrug and saying a few words. The latter instantly turned to his right and walked away from the location.
A fan recorded the entire encounter on his phone, and the footage went viral on social media within minutes.
Watch the video below:
Cameraman not leaving Smrithi alone to practice and see Smrithi’s reaction 😂 pic.twitter.com/QVF8q4WTzw
— RCB (@RCBtweetzz) January 9, 2026
While Mandhana failed to deliver in the match, scoring a 13-ball 18, Nadine de Klerk slammed a blinder of a half-century to help RCB get past the defending champions in their opening encounter. The South African all-rounder followed up her four-for with the ball with a 44-ball 63 not out with the bat to help RCB register a three-wicket win off the last delivery. They chased down a 155-run target, amassing 20 runs off the last over bowled by Nat Sciver-Brunt.
Brilliant from Nadine to finish the match like that: Smriti Mandhana
Mandhana was elated after winning the thrilling contest, mentioning that the rub of the green didn’t go their way in close games last season. She also praised de Klerk for her sensational contribution in finishing the innings.
“Yeah, 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.
“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. I think everything we can say now because we won – it’s easier. But yeah, otherwise as well, the preparations have been really nice,” she added.
India
