Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Wednesday appointed tennis star Sania Mirza as its Women team’s mentor for WPL.

Sania Mirza, has been fiercely competitive, for 20 years across her illustrious career of 6 Grand Slams & 43 WTA Titles. Her global stature as one of the leading role models for innumerable women prompted the RCB team management to onboard her to motivate and encourage the women’s team of RCB as Sania is someone whom the players can relate and respond to easily in a team environment.

“It is a pleasure for me to join the RCB women’s team as a mentor. Indian women’s cricket has seen a tectonic shift with the Women’s Premier League, and I am really looking forward to being a part of this revolutionary pitch.” said Sania

“I am immensely happy to see RCB building a team for the Women’s Premier League as it will push the women’s sports to new heights in the country, open new doors to women cricketers and help make sports the first career choice for young girls and young parents with a girl child.” She added

The RCB had taken a confident approach in acquiring a team that is a mix of world’s top and most talented 18 players during the WPL auction on Monday in Mumbai.

RCB acquired the services of star batter Smriti Mandhana and added notable international names to their squad such as Australian duo of all-rounder Ellyse Perry and medium pacer Megan Schutt, New Zealand’s captain Sophie Devine, England’s skipper Heather Knight and South African all-rounder Dane Van Niekerk along with India under-19-star Richa Ghosh.

On the appointment of Sania Mirza as mentor, Head and Vice President of RCB Rajesh V Menon said  “We welcome Sania Mirza as mentor of the RCB women’s team. She is someone our young generation looks up to and she can motivate, encourage our team as she herself has been an uber competitive player who understands how to overcome challenges and handle pressure at various situations at the highest level of sports.”

“Her stature and gravitas as well as her attitude will inspire and bring the much-needed panache to transform the team with a Bold Personality.” he added