Smriti Mandhana’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru scripted history on Friday, clinching their second Women’s Premier League title with a six-wicket win over Delhi Capitals in Vadodara. The RCB women also became
the first team in the tournament’s history to lift the trophy after finishing the league stage at the top of the table.
Mandhana & Co. were by far the best team of the tournament. The skipper led from the front, delivering when it mattered most. Chasing 204 against Jemimah Rodrigues’ DC, Mandhana hammered an 87 off 41 balls and stitched a match-winning second-wicket partnership with Georgia Voll.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter and RCB men’s batting coach Dinesh Karthik lauded Mandhana for anchoring the chase in such a crucial final. Taking to Instagram, the former cricketer said the RCB women’s captain showed commendable character despite dealing with personal setbacks in the recent past.
“What a win in the final — absolutely sensational from the RCB girls. Smriti Mandhana, hats off to you,” Karthik said in the video.
“Considering everything that’s happened in the recent past, the strength of character you’ve shown, both in building this team and delivering when it mattered most, speaks volumes. You stuck to your guns, played like a true champion, and once again proved why you are a born leader. Big occasions clearly bring out the best in you, and today was truly special,” he added.
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Karthik opined that the WPL 2026 final, which saw over 400 runs being scored, has taken women’s cricket to a different level altogether.
“This final also showed how far the women’s game has come. A 203 total from Delhi, powered by a superbly paced knock from Jemimah Rodrigues, followed by a wholehearted bowling effort — it was high-quality cricket throughout. But on the day, RCB were simply better,” he said.
The former Indian cricketer reserved praise for the coaching staff, saying, “Credit must also go to coach Malolan and the support staff. The work done at the auction, the clarity in planning, and the belief within the group have culminated in a beautiful, well-deserved triumph.”
“Above all, this was a masterclass in leadership from Smriti Mandhana — clarity of thought, composure under pressure, and the ability to inspire a team on the biggest stage. For every young cricketer watching, this was a lesson in handling big-match pressure,” he added.
