Friday night in Vadodara belonged to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and more importantly to Smriti Mandhana. Under her calm but commanding leadership, RCB lifted their second Women’s Premier League title with a six-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals, sealing a season that will be remembered for its dominance and belief. The triumph also made RCB the first team in the WPL history to win the trophy after finishing the league stage at the top of the table, underlining their consistency throughout the tournament.
RCB were widely seen as the team to beat this season and they lived up to that billing when it mattered the most. In a high-pressure final, chasing a challenging target of 204 set by a strong Delhi Capitals side led by Jemimah Rodrigues, Smriti Mandhana once again stood tall. The captain produced a stunning 87 off just 41 balls, combining grace with power, and formed a decisive second-wicket partnership with Georgia Voll that swung the match firmly in RCB’s favour.
Smriti Mandhana’s knock drew praise from across the cricketing world, including former India wicketkeeper-batter and RCB men’s batting coach Dinesh Karthik. Taking to Instagram, DK applauded not just her performance but her resilience and leadership during a demanding phase of her career.
“What a win in the final — absolutely sensational from the RCB girls. Smriti Mandhana, hats off to you,” Dinesh Karthik said in the video.
“Considering everything that’s happened in the recent past, the strength of character you’ve shown, both in building this team and delivering when it mattered most, speaks volumes. You stuck to your guns, played like a true champion, and once again proved why you are a born leader. Big occasions clearly bring out the best in you, and today was truly special,” he added.
Dinesh Karthik also felt the WPL 2026 final marked a turning point for women’s cricket, with the match showcasing both quality and intensity at the highest level.
“This final also showed how far the women’s game has come. A 203 total from Delhi, powered by a superbly paced knock from Jemimah Rodrigues, followed by a wholehearted bowling effort, it was high-quality cricket throughout. But on the day, RCB were simply better,” he said.
The former cricketer didn’t forget the coaching staff either, highlighting the role played behind the scenes.
“Credit must also go to coach Malolan and the support staff. The work done at the auction, the clarity in planning, and the belief within the group have culminated in a beautiful, well-deserved triumph.”
He concluded by once again spotlighting Smriti Mandhana’s influence.
“Above all, this was a masterclass in leadership from Smriti Mandhana — clarity of thought, composure under pressure, and the ability to inspire a team on the biggest stage. For every young cricketer watching, this was a lesson in handling big-match pressure,” he added.
Here is the video:
Click to watch this video directly on Instagram
Very well-played Smriti Mandhana and congratulations to RCB and their fans!
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