Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry reunited in Hobart and treated Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans to a nostalgic moment. The two stars crossed paths at Bellerive Oval on Friday, February 27, during the second women’s ODI between India and Australia. While Mandhana is actively participating in the ODI series, Perry has missed the series due to a quad injury sustained during the T20I series.
Despite this, the Australian all-rounder joined Mandhana on the sidelines and the pair were spotted enjoying each other’s company. They exchanged smiles and chatted amiably, reflecting the warm bond they had built during their time together at RCB. Their light-hearted interaction offered fans a glimpse of camaraderie off the cricket field.
Ellyse Perry was expected to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Women’s Premier League 2026, but has pulled out of the tournament along with Delhi Capitals’ Annabel Sutherland. Sayali Satghare replaced Perry in the lineup.
PERRY’S INCREDIBLE RCB CAREER
Perry was a key player for RCB in the WPL. During her career, she scored 972 runs in 25 matches at an average of 64.80 and a strike rate of 132.96, including eight fifties and a highest score of 90 not out. She also holds record for best bowling figures in WPL historywho took 6 wickets for 15 runs in 4 overs against Mumbai Indians in 2024.
Her stellar performances in 2024 helped RCB clinch their first WPL title and cemented her status as an elite all-rounder. Perry struggled in the recent T20I series against India, scoring 28 runs at an average of 9.33 in three matches. Following her injury, Cricket Australia said her participation in the Perth Test from March 6 would depend on the speed of her rehabilitation.
MANDHANA IN EXCELLENT FORM
Smriti Mandhana, on the other hand, enjoyed a stellar season in the Women’s Premier League, leading RCB to their second WPL title. She surpassed 1,000 career runs in the tournament’s history and was named Man of the Match in the final, scoring 87 off 41 balls, including 12 fours and three sixes against the Capitals.
In the T20I series against Australia, Mandhana was equally impressive, amassing 129 runs in three matches at an average of 64.50. Her consistent performances were key in guiding India to their first T20I series win in Australia since 2016.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
27 Feb 2026 16:02 IST
