"Virat Kohli took class": Fans react as Smriti Mandhana says 'Ben Stokes' in viral RCB video

Smriti Mandhana video gets celebrated by fans [Image Credits: X]

A video of Smriti Mandhana has recently gone viral, in which the Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women’s captain was seen slaying in Virat Kohli’s colours.

In a behind-the-scenes video shared by RCB on their official social media handle, Mandhana was heard saying “Ben Stokes,” a Hindi slang modified with Indian pronunciation to replicate the popular phrase. The moment created a huge buzz on social media, with fans enjoying Mandhana’s straightforward and expressive side for RCB.

Fans rejoice Smriti Mandhana 2.0!

Wearing the iconic jersey number 18 for RCB, Smriti Mandhana is known to be semi-aggressive on the field. However, she has rarely been seen using such aggressive expressions either on or off the field.

This Kohli-esque reaction sent the internet into a frenzy, with fans hyping up what they called “Smriti Mandhana 2.0.” Many even linked this visible transformation to her recent phase following the cancelled wedding with Indian singer and music producer Palash Muchhal.

What was the Smriti Mandhana clip?

The viral clip captured a conversation between Richa Ghosh, Smriti Mandhana, and other RCB teammates, where they were discussing Mandhana’s unfortunate dismissal on 96 runs during the 11th match of WPL 2026 against Delhi Capitals.

Mandhana played a graceful innings, scoring 96 runs off 61 deliveries at a strike rate of 157.38. Her knock included 13 boundaries and three sixes before she was dismissed by Nandani Sharma on the second ball of the 18th over.

Reacting to her dismissal, Mandhana was heard saying, "Arre Ben Stokes, I didn't want to hit it there, it nicked off unintentionally", after being caught by Lucy Hamilton off Nandini Sharma’s bowling.

MuFFatLal Bohra

@arshdeep3444

🚨Smriti Mandhana literally said, ‘Ben Stokes didn’t go to hit the ball — the ball just hit the bat and flew into the air on its own. 😂

Jan 19, 2026, 8:22 PM

Here's the full conversation between the girls:

Smriti Mandhana : Aree Benstokes! Main to niche shot marne gayi, lekin upar chali gayi…

Richa Ghosh : Agar thoda udhar hota to chauka hota.

Smriti Mandhana : Meri thodi galti hai yar, wo pata nahi kidhar se aakar jhapak padi.

Radha Yadav : Par cover drive udhar kaise jata.

Smriti Mandhana : Square drive bolte hai use anpadh, agar yahi four jata to taali marti 

Despite the dismissal, the energetic atmosphere and positive vibes within the RCB camp caught the attention of fans, who rejoiced in seeing their captain in a completely new avatar.

Let’s take a look at how the internet reacted to Smriti Mandhana’s candid moment.

Venky Mama

@venkymama100

@arshdeep3444 Mandhana after breakup 💀

Rao Amit 🇮🇳

@RoyalRao47

@arshdeep3444 You can take the player out of the Kohli-led franchise, but you can't take the 'Ben Stokes' out of the player. It seems Virat took a special vocabulary class during the training camp.🤣🤣

VIKAS

@Vikas662005

@arshdeep3444 RCB blood

Mannuuuu

@mommaisright

Smriti mandhana saying Ben stokes after getting out on 96 was not on my list 😂😂😂

RCB UNIVERSE

@RcbUnivers63249

Smriti Mandhana saying bahanch’d was not on my bingo cards in 2026 😭🤣 #SmritiMandhana #WPL2026

Jan 19, 2026, 7:46 PM

Vishal Mohan Yadav

@VishalMYadav_

Smriti Mandhana : Aree Benstokes! Main to niche shot marne gayi, lekin upar chali gayi।😻 Richa Ghosh : Agar thoda udhar hota to chauka hota, Smriti Mandhana : Meri thodi galti hai yar, wo pata nahi kidhar se aakar jhapak padi, Radha Yadav : Par cover drive udhar kaise jata,

Jan 19, 2026, 9:04 AM

Ayesha Khan

@ayeshakhan7003

@VishalMYadav_ Pure gold banter Smriti Mandhana ka confidence Richa Ghosh aur Radha Yadav ke comments full entertainment. Cricket ho ya comedy, timing ekdum perfect

a.

@kohliadmirer__

@RCBTweets Smriti ka ben stokes beep kr diya😭😭

Mandhana continues to lead RCB with grace in WPL 2026

Notably, even though Smriti Mandhana missed out on a historic hundred, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women went on to win the match by eight wickets, comfortably chasing down Delhi Capitals’ 167-run target.

However, Mandhana’s impressive run did not continue in the following game. In the match played on January 19, she scored 26 runs off 23 balls before being dismissed by Ashleigh Gardner.

Despite the setback, Smriti Mandhana’s form in WPL 2026 has been hot and cold, but her overall numbers remain strong. She has scored 192 runs in five matches at an average of 48, with a strike rate of 140.15.

More importantly, she has led her side brilliantly, guiding RCB Women to the top of the points table and securing playoff qualification with five wins from five matches.