In a surprising move, Southern Brave have decided not to retain Smriti Mandhana for The Hundred 2025. The Indian star and RCB Women’s captain was left out despite her past contributions to the franchise. Meanwhile, her RCB teammate and England opener, Danni Wyatt, was among the first players retained.
Along with Wyatt, Southern Brave have also retained Laura Wolvaardt, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, and Freya Kemp. Mandhana’s exclusion has raised eyebrows, given her consistent performances in previous seasons. However, her struggles in 2024 might have influenced the decision.
Mandhana’s Struggles in 2024
Mandhana had a tough 2024 season, managing only 60 runs in five matches at an average of 14.75 and a strike rate of 155. This dip in form may have led Southern Brave to look for other options. In contrast, she was one of the team’s key batters in previous years, scoring 211 runs in 2022 and 238 runs in 2023.
Mixed WPL 2025 Campaign
Mandhana’s recent form in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 has also been inconsistent. In four matches, she has scored 122 runs, including a solitary half-century. Her lack of fluency has affected RCB’s batting, with Ellyse Perry shouldering most of the responsibility.
Southern Brave 2025 Retained Players
Southern Brave Women: Laura Wolvaardt (Overseas – Direct Signing), Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Maia Bouchier, Lauren Bell, Freya Kemp, Georgia Adams, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Rhianna Southby.
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