RCB Coach Lauds 'Inhuman' Smriti Mandhana's WPL Final Performance Amid Severe Illness
Royal Challengers Bengaluru women's team coach Malolan Rangarajan has expressed profound admiration for captain Smriti Mandhana following her extraordinary performance in the Women's Premier League final. Mandhana led RCB to their second WPL championship title with a decisive 41-ball 87 runs, despite battling a severe case of flu and high fever throughout the match.
Mandhana's Heroic Innings Under Physical Duress
Rangarajan revealed that Mandhana was seriously unwell during the final against Delhi Capitals on February 5, 2026. The skipper played with what the coach described as a "massive, massive flu" and high fever, yet managed to deliver what he called one of the finest innings of the tournament. Her composed batting helped RCB complete the highest successful chase in WPL history, reaching 204 runs in 19.4 overs with just two balls remaining.
"Smriti, I think, saved one of her best innings for the final," Rangarajan told ANI. "The way she batted today was inhuman. I mean, I don't even know the word, so classy, so elegant. When you looked at her, you could see that she was in control of what she wanted to do."
Leadership and Dedination Beyond Physical Limits
The coach emphasized that Mandhana's determination to play despite illness demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to her team's success. Her ability to conceal her discomfort from teammates and opponents alike showcased her professional resilience.
"Smriti played this game with a massive, massive flu. She was seriously unwell with a high fever," Rangarajan explained. "But to turn up and not even show it—nobody in the team, for one second, also didn't show it. So, that's the person she is. When I spoke to her this afternoon, she said, 'No problem, I'll be there.'"
Record-Breaking Partnership and Championship Victory
The WPL 2026 final saw Delhi Capitals set a challenging target of 203/4, with captain Jemimah Rodrigues contributing 57 runs from 37 balls, supported by Laura Wolvaardt's 44 and Chinelle Henry's unbeaten 35 off 15 deliveries.
RCB responded with a remarkable recovery after an early wicket loss, thanks to a decisive 165-run partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll. Mandhana's fluent 87 included 12 fours and 3 sixes, while Radha Yadav finished the chase in the final over. This victory drew RCB level with Mumbai Indians, both now holding two WPL championships.
Teammate Recognition and Personal Struggles
RCB bowler Shreyanka Patil dedicated the win to her captain, hinting at Mandhana's personal challenges beyond the cricket field. "A win completely dedicated to Smriti Mandhana because she had suffered a lot from last 30-45 days in her life. She deserved it," Patil stated, acknowledging the captain's broader resilience.
Rangarajan further described Mandhana as a "nerd" about her batting, attributing her success to constant self-improvement efforts. According to the coach, she consistently studies her game, refines her skills, and searches for better methods—a dedication that clearly paid off in the championship match.
The coach highlighted her composure, control, and sense of responsibility in high-pressure situations, noting that her performance didn't reflect the difficulty of chasing 200 runs. Mandhana's efforts earned her the Player of the Match award and cemented her status as a pivotal figure in women's cricket leadership.
