Trophy Cabinet Full
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise is basking in glory, with its women's team recently clinching their second Women's Premier League (WPL) title.
This monumental victory has been met with enthusiastic congratulations from franchise stalwarts Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. This triumph caps off a spectacular transformation for RCB, a team once often the subject of jokes for its lack of silverware. In a remarkably short span of just three years, the franchise has completely rewritten its narrative, moving from being 'trophyless' to consistently lifting major titles each season. The women's team, under the captaincy of Smriti Mandhana, achieved this feat in 2024, following Rajat Patidar's leadership that guided the men's team to an emotional Indian Premier League (IPL) championship in 2025, ending an 18-year wait. Mandhana's current success means RCB uniquely holds both the IPL and WPL titles simultaneously, a testament to their sustained excellence across both formats and a reason for immense pride among their passionate fanbase.
Legends' Acclaim
Iconic figures of the franchise, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, wasted no time in expressing their admiration for the RCB women's team's championship win. Virat Kohli took to Instagram to share his pride, writing, 'Champions again. Keeping the RCB flag flying high is something that each one of you can be proud of. To Smriti and the whole squad and the management team, a big congratulations on this tremendous victory. You guys deserve this undoubtedly. Enjoy the moment and embrace the love of our amazing fans.' This message highlights the deep connection and respect between the current champions and the players who have long represented the franchise's spirit. AB de Villiers, a beloved former RCB player who represented the team from 2011 to 2021, also shared his celebratory sentiments via an Instagram story, further emphasizing the unified joy within the RCB family following this significant achievement. Their public endorsements underscore the team's success as a collective win for the entire RCB brand and its supporters.
Match Decisive Moments
The WPL final witnessed a thrilling contest, with Delhi Capitals setting a formidable target. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, RCB's bowlers faced a strong opening from Lizelle Lee (37 off 30) and Shafali Verma (20 off 13). The innings gained significant momentum with a crucial 76-run partnership between Jemimah Rodrigues (57 off 37) and Laura Wolvaardt (44 off 35). Late explosive hitting from Chinelle Henry, who remained unbeaten on 35 off just 15 balls, propelled Delhi Capitals to a massive 203/4, the highest total ever posted in a WPL final. In response, RCB's chase began with an early hiccup, but what followed was a masterclass in batting. Captain Smriti Mandhana was the star, scoring a brilliant 87 off 41 balls, and was ably supported by Georgia Voll, who contributed 79 off 54 balls. Their exceptional 165-run partnership was the turning point, completely shifting the momentum of the game and taking the match away from Delhi. Despite a few late wickets, Radha Yadav (12*) and Nadine de Klerk (7*) displayed remarkable composure to safely guide the team home, securing the victory with six wickets in hand and two balls to spare.
Mandhana's Masterclass
Smriti Mandhana's stellar performance in the WPL final was rightfully recognized as she was named the Player of the Match. Her magnificent innings of 87 runs from 41 deliveries not only anchored the record-breaking chase but also encapsulated the team's fighting spirit and determination. This individual brilliance, combined with the vital support from Georgia Voll, who scored 79 from 54 balls, created the defining partnership of 165 runs that ultimately sealed the championship for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This victory is more than just a trophy; it signifies the commencement of a new era of consistent success for the RCB franchise. The team's ability to perform under pressure and deliver championship-winning performances has finally filled their trophy cabinet and earned them the admiration of their legendary former players, who are now witnessing the club's sustained excellence firsthand.
