Sania Mirza has been roped in as Royal Challengers Bangalore's mentor for the inaugural edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL), which will be played in Mumbai from March 4-26.

Mirza, the first Indian woman to win a major title - she finished second in the women's doubles with six - is expected to join the team after the ATP Dubai Open, which will be her last professional tournament. . Mirza, 36, announced his decision to retire from professional tennis ahead of the Australian Open, where he and teammate Rohan Bopanna finished second in the doubles.

"I was surprised [to be offered the directorial role], but I'm really happy," Mirza told RCB TV. "I want to convince young girls that sports can be one of the first career options for them. I want to help the next generation to believe in themselves, no matter how against things You can achieve your goals."

Mirza is particularly passionate about working with young Indians and helping them cope with stress. She said, "The idea part is what I'm looking forward to working with the girls." "I feel like I can [help] bring mental stability, mental confirmation, I can talk about my experience of more than 20 years of playing. Being the only woman [in India] to do this for years has been lonely, but the pressure is high, that kind of thing is something I can help with."

The Royal Challengers lined up a star-studded line-up in the opening act, headlined by Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Sophie Devine, Dane van Niekerk and Richa Ghosh.

The Royal Challengers have not announced their full coaching staff but they have VR Vanitha, the former India international, and Malolan Rangarajan, a favorite of the Royal Challengers team, in their support team and Mike Hesson will be the director. of the team as a cricket manager. The team will open their WPL campaign on March 5, the second day of the tournament, against Delhi Capitals at the Brabourne Stadium.