Smriti Mandhana vs. Virat Kohli: A Stats Showdown!

Published: 10 November 2025

Introduction

In the fascinating world of cricket, two names stand out: Smriti Mandhana and Virat Kohli. Both athletes have made remarkable contributions to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise. This article will compare their performances after their first 26 matches in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and Indian Premier League (IPL) respectively.

Smriti Mandhana’s Performance

Smriti Mandhana has been a vital player for RCB in the Women's Premier League, leading her team to significant victories. Retained for ?3.5 crore ahead of WPL 2026, Mandhana's impact cannot be overstated. Her first three editions for RCB saw her scoring some impressive runs, with consistent performances that bolstered the team's success.

Key Stats for Smriti Mandhana

MetricsValue
Matches Played26
Total Runs646
Best Performance300 runs in 10 matches
Average24.84
Strike Rate128.68
Half-Centuries4

Mandhana's highest score came against the Delhi Capitals, where she impressively scored 81 runs off just 47 balls, showcasing her explosive batting skills.

Virat Kohli’s Legacy

On the other hand, Virat Kohli, who has been with RCB since the inaugural IPL season, has a storied legacy that speaks for itself. After 267 matches, Kohli has secured his place as one of the greatest players in the league, bringing invaluable experience and skill to the field.

Key Stats for Virat Kohli

MetricsValue
Matches Played267
Total Runs8661
First 26 Matches Runs361
Average39.54
Strike Rate132.85
Hundreds8

In his first 26 matches, Kohli scored 361 runs with an average of 17.19. While his initial games weren't as fruitful, he evolved into a dominant force in the league.

Match Wins Comparison

Both players have been pivotal in securing match wins for RCB during their early careers. Let’s look at their contributions to RCB’s successes.

PlayerWins in First 26 MatchesTotal Runs in WinsAverage in Wins
Smriti Mandhana1136833.45
Virat Kohli1115619.50

Despite their early struggles, both players guided their teams to 11 wins in their initial 26 matches, demonstrating their potential to contribute to team success.

Conclusion

In summary, while Smriti Mandhana and Virat Kohli have had varied experiences in their initial matches, both have shown tremendous potential and skill for RCB. Their commitment to the team and consistent performance makes them invaluable assets in the world of cricket, setting the stage for a thrilling future in their respective leagues.