RCB Captain Smriti Mandhana Reflects on Historic WPL 2026 Triumph and Franchise Hat-Trick
Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Smriti Mandhana has expressed sheer delight after her team secured a remarkable victory in the Women's Premier League 2026 final, marking an incredible hat-trick of titles for the franchise across the last three seasons. The RCB women's team defeated Delhi Capitals by six wickets in a high-stakes encounter, showcasing resilience and skill under pressure.
A Franchise Reborn: Ending Years of Drought
This triumph represents a significant turnaround for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise, which endured a barren spell of 16 years since the inception of the Indian Premier League in 2008. The women's team broke the title drought with a groundbreaking victory in WPL 2024, followed by the men's team finally clinching the IPL trophy last year. Now, with this latest win, RCB has firmly established itself as a dominant force in cricket.
"Very pleased. RCB fans are the best in the world. We get support wherever we play. Three titles in three years for the franchise, it is amazing," said Mandhana, who overcame recent off-field challenges to excel throughout the tournament. Her leadership and performance have been pivotal in this historic achievement.
The Final Showdown: A Daunting Chase Mastered
The WPL 2026 final presented a formidable challenge as Delhi Capitals set a daunting target of 204 runs. Despite losing Grace Harris early in the chase, Smriti Mandhana led from the front with a spectacular innings of 87 runs off just 41 balls. She received crucial support from Georgia Voll, whose contribution was instrumental in steering the team to victory.
"We did think it was a good surface to bat on. 203 is a good score in the final. It was a match-winning spell from Lauren Bell. 400 in the match and she goes for just 20," Mandhana remarked, highlighting the team's strategic approach and key performances. The captain praised the collective effort, emphasizing the hard work put in by the players both on and off the field.
Team Effort and Belief: The Foundation of Success
Mandhana attributed the team's success to unwavering belief and dedication. "The girls are working extremely hard and that shoots up your belief. They are working hard in the gym and that gives confidence to chase down any score. But what Volly did was special. Everyone going back to their home will say this is what we have contributed," she stated, acknowledging the holistic contributions of every team member.
Delhi Capitals' Heartbreak: Fourth Consecutive Final Loss
On the other side, Delhi Capitals faced yet another heartbreaking defeat in a WPL final, marking their fourth consecutive loss at this stage. Despite a strong performance throughout the tournament, they faltered at the final hurdle once again.
Captain Jemimah Rodrigues, however, remained proud of her team's efforts. "Could not be more proud of this group. It was not easy for us, the character the girls showed, proud of that. 204 in a final is always a great score. Everyone fought hard, gave their best, and that is what is important," she said, reflecting on the team's journey and resilience.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Excellence
This victory not only cements RCB's status as a powerhouse in women's cricket but also highlights the growing competitiveness and popularity of the Women's Premier League. With three titles in three years, the franchise has set a new benchmark for success, inspiring fans and aspiring cricketers alike.
As Smriti Mandhana and her team celebrate this historic win, the focus now shifts to sustaining this momentum and continuing to elevate the standard of women's cricket on the global stage.
