Virat Kohli Applauds RCB Women's Team for Historic WPL 2026 Championship Victory
Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain and current batting icon Virat Kohli has extended heartfelt congratulations to the RCB women's squad following their spectacular triumph in the Women's Premier League 2026 final. The team, led by Smriti Mandhana, secured their second WPL title by defeating Delhi Capitals in a thrilling encounter in Vadodara on Thursday.
Kohli's Emotional Instagram Tribute to the Champions
Taking to Instagram shortly after the victory, Kohli penned an emotional message celebrating the team's achievement. "Champions again. Keeping the RCB flag flying high and something that each one of you can be proud of," wrote the 37-year-old batting maestro. He specifically addressed Mandhana and the entire squad, stating, "To Smriti and the whole squad and the management team, a big congratulations for this tremendous victory. You guys deserve this undoubtedly."
Kohli emphasized the importance of savoring the moment, adding, "Enjoy the moment and embrace the love of our amazing fans." His words underscored the significance of this victory for the entire RCB franchise ecosystem.
Record-Breaking Run Chase in the WPL 2026 Final
The championship match witnessed a remarkable display of batting prowess as RCB successfully chased down a challenging target of 204 runs. The victory was sealed in the final over when Radha Yadav struck two crucial boundaries, guiding the team to victory with just two balls remaining.
The foundation of this historic chase was laid by an exceptional partnership between captain Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll. After the early dismissal of Grace Harris for just nine runs, the duo combined forces to put on a spectacular 165-run stand in just 92 balls for the second wicket.
Voll contributed a brilliant 79 runs off 54 deliveries before her dismissal, while Mandhana anchored the innings with a commanding 87 runs. Although both batters fell within a couple of overs of each other, creating some tense moments in the RCB camp, Yadav and Nadine de Klerk maintained their composure to steer the team across the finish line.
Historic Milestones Achieved by RCB Women's Team
This victory marked several significant achievements for the RCB women's franchise:
- They completed the most successful run chase in the history of either WPL or IPL finals
- RCB became the first franchise ever to simultaneously hold both the IPL and WPL titles
- This represents their second WPL championship, cementing their status as a dominant force in women's cricket
Connecting the Franchise's Success Across Genders
The timing of this victory holds special significance as it comes just months after the RCB men's team, featuring Virat Kohli, clinched the IPL 2025 title. The men's team secured their championship by defeating Punjab Kings in the final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Kohli's public acknowledgment of the women's team's achievement highlights the growing synergy and mutual respect between the men's and women's squads within the RCB franchise. His message not only celebrates their current success but also encourages them to continue building on this momentum and maintaining the high standards associated with the RCB brand.
The veteran batsman's endorsement carries particular weight given his long-standing association with the franchise and his status as one of cricket's most influential figures. His words serve as both validation and inspiration for the women's team as they bask in the glory of their hard-earned championship.
