Three WPL auctions later, RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana still holds the record for being the most expensive player in TATA WPL history as RCB acquired the Indian lefty superstar for INR 3.4 Crore in the first-ever auction. After the disappointment of the first season, Mandhana was on song with the bat in hand (300 runs in 10 games) and with her leadership, guiding RCB to their maiden title in 2024. One of the most consistent players in world cricket across formats, Mandhana goes into TATA WPL 2025 as the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024. RCB's title defence will rest heavily on their captain's form.