Smriti Mandhana's Defiant Knock Secures RCB's Second WPL Championship
In a stunning display of resilience and skill, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their second Women's Premier League (WPL) title on Thursday, overcoming Delhi Capitals by six wickets in Vadodara. The victory was spearheaded by captain Smriti Mandhana, whose heroic 87 runs off 41 balls proved pivotal in chasing down a target of 204 runs.
Battling Illness with Unwavering Determination
Following the triumph, RCB head coach Malolan Rangarajan revealed a remarkable behind-the-scenes story. He disclosed that Mandhana had been seriously unwell with a high fever before the final match. Despite her condition, the 29-year-old assured her coach she would play, famously stating, "Nahi, Malo, koi problem nahi (there's no problem), I'll be there."
Rangarajan praised Mandhana's professionalism, noting that she did not show any signs of illness to her teammates or opponents. "She was seriously unwell with a high fever. But to turn up, not even show it, nobody in the team [knew]...for one second also didn't show it. That's the person Smriti is," he told the media.
A Masterclass in Batting Excellence
Mandhana's innings was nothing short of spectacular, as she formed a crucial 165-run partnership for the second wicket with Georgia Voll. This partnership laid the foundation for RCB's successful chase, which was completed in the final over of the match.
Rangarajan expressed awe at Mandhana's performance, suggesting she saved her best for the final. "I think she saved one of her best innings for the final. The way she batted was...inhuman? I don't even know the word to use," he remarked. He further described her batting as "so classy, so elegant" and highlighted her precise shot selection and timing.
Leadership That Inspires Victory
Beyond her batting prowess, Mandhana's leadership qualities were also lauded by the head coach. Rangarajan emphasized how she led from the front, setting high standards in training sessions and motivating the team throughout the tournament.
"She led the team by example, set the standards in every training session. I'd be doing a disservice even if I tried saying how good Smriti has been in these last months," Rangarajan added, underscoring her integral role in RCB's championship journey.
This victory marks a significant milestone for RCB in the WPL, showcasing the team's grit and the inspirational captaincy of Smriti Mandhana, who overcame personal adversity to deliver a title-winning performance.
