‘Literacy ka kitna bada problem hai aaj pata chala’ – Fans stunned as Bangalore rope in Sania Mirza as their mentor for WTL 2023

The Bangalore franchise in the Women’s T20 League have roped in India’s tennis icon Sania Mirza as their mentor for the inaugural edition of the tournament. The tournament is all set to commence on March 4 and it will be held across two venues in Mumbai. The final will be held at Brabourne on March 26.

Mirza, one of the best Indian athletes to ever pick up a tennis racket, called it a day only after the recently-concluded Australian Open 2023, where she finished as the runner-up in the mixed doubles circuit alongside her partner Rahul Bopanna. She also has every Grand Slam title to her name, winning a total of six majors across women’s doubles and mixed doubles circuits.

I want to help the next generation: Sania Mirza

On receiving the offer for the role of mentor of Bangalore, Mirza said that she was surprised but excited. “I was a little surprised, but I was really excited,” Mirza was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “I want to make young girls believe sport can be one of the first career choices for them. I want to help the next generation into believing in themselves no matter how much the odds are against you, you can achieve your goals.”

The 36-year-old said that she is keen on working on the mental aspect of the game with the players. And as far as the game of cricket goes, the tennis star is no stranger as her husband, Shoaib Malik, is an international cricketer, who has several accolades with Pakistan.

“The mental aspect of it is something I look forward to working with the younger girls,” said the former tennis star. I feel I can [help] bring in the mental steadiness, the mental belief, I can talk of the experiences I’ve had over 20 years of playing. Being the only [Indian] woman doing it for so many years has been lonely, but the pressure has been high, that kind of stuff is something I can truly help with.”

Here is how the fans reacted to Mirza’s appointment:

It’s like appointing Leander paes as a mentor for RCB men

— Muhammed Adil (@Muhamme99675044) February 15, 2023

Smriti Mandhana in nets pic.twitter.com/pBqFgaFYQz

— Labushame (@SMUDGE4549) February 15, 2023

First the sponsorship decision and now this… I think this is not gonna be a serious cricket, just a drama of women empowerment

— Shri (@iknowshri) February 15, 2023

Should have a cricketer as mentor na?
Inclusion of women sports celebrity is a good step for promotion.
Sania mirza cld have been the brand ambassador or something.

— Shreya (@wowShreya) February 15, 2023

Forehand is combination of cut and pull.
Ideal candidate non better,
Hire Rogger for men's team.

— Neo (@koharanmol) February 15, 2023

People doesn't even know the difference between Coach and Mentor..
Thanks for RCB for taking a step and making people understand what mentor does…
Mentor is someone who helps to help or control your mental conditions or you can aslo say as mental conditioning coach

— Rohit Jaiswal (@RohitJa98837448) February 15, 2023

https://twitter.com/theKitabwali/status/1625722039175905283

Should have taken them. They have a much better performance record in a league than the men's RCB team. pic.twitter.com/4f0CJS5q4X

— K.A.T.A.K.I.Y.A (@AveePDas) February 15, 2023

https://twitter.com/jayrkalyani/status/1625719127485685773

https://twitter.com/DoNothing02/status/1625701334862397440

Sania is an Indian Legend in tennis.RCB is all about stardom and commercial value. That is why they have huge fan base and brand value.But money can't win you cups.

— Girish Chandran (@Talkagain1234) February 15, 2023

https://twitter.com/vipintiwari952_/status/1625712271908552706