Smriti Mandanha Celebrates RCB's Historic Triple Title Run
Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Smriti Mandhana has described the franchise's achievement of securing three championships in three consecutive years as "amazing" following their latest victory in the Women's Premier League final. The RCB women's team defeated Delhi Capitals by six wickets in Vadodara on Thursday to claim the WPL title for the second time, adding to their groundbreaking 2024 triumph.
Ending Title Droughts and Building a Legacy
This victory marks a significant milestone for RCB, which has seen both its men's and women's teams break long-standing title droughts in recent years. The women's team ended the franchise's championship wait with their 2024 WPL win, while the men's squad finally captured the IPL trophy last year. Mandhana, who overcame recent personal challenges to lead her team to glory, expressed immense satisfaction with the result.
"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 during the post-match presentation.
The Championship Chase Against Delhi Capitals
Facing a formidable target of 204 runs in the final, Mandhana revealed that her team remained confident despite the challenging score. "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," she noted, highlighting Bell's economical bowling figures of 19 runs in four overs.
The captain credited the team's success to several key factors:
- Clear Roles: The support staff's clarity in defining each player's responsibilities
- Hard Work: Exceptional dedication in training and gym sessions
- Team Contribution: Every player making significant contributions throughout the tournament
"One thing has stood out this season the support staff the way have supported us. Roles were clear for all of us. That makes our job easier on the field," Mandhana explained. "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."
Delhi Capitals' Valiant Effort in Defeat
Despite suffering their fourth consecutive final loss, Delhi Capitals captain Jemimah Rodrigues expressed pride in her team's performance. The Capitals had struggled early in the tournament before rallying to reach the championship match.
"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," said Rodrigues, acknowledging her team's effort despite the disappointing result.
A Special Mention for Georgia Wareham
Mandhana specifically praised teammate Georgia Wareham's contribution with the bat, describing it as "special." She emphasized that every player would return home knowing they had made valuable contributions to the championship campaign, reinforcing the team-first mentality that propelled RCB to victory.
The WPL 2026 triumph solidifies RCB's status as a dominant force in women's cricket while completing a remarkable three-year championship cycle that has brought unprecedented success to the Bengaluru-based franchise across both gender divisions of professional cricket.
