On February 5, in Vadodara, Smriti Mandhana, captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), celebrated the franchise's remarkable achievement of securing three titles in just three years. Following their victory in the Women's Premier League (WPL) final, Mandhana expressed her pride and joy, stating, "Three titles in three years for the franchise, it is amazing." This victory marked a significant milestone for RCB, who had previously ended their title drought with a groundbreaking win in 2024, paving the way for their men's team to also clinch the IPL title last year.
In the thrilling WPL final, RCB triumphed over Delhi Capitals by six wickets, showcasing their resilience and strategic gameplay. Mandhana noted the challenging chase of 204 runs, acknowledging that 203 is a formidable score in a final. She highlighted the impressive bowling performance by Lauren Bell, who delivered a match-winning spell, conceding only 19 runs in four overs. Mandhana emphasized the pivotal role of the support staff in guiding the team and clarifying roles, which significantly eased their efforts on the field.
- RCB's title drought ended — RCB women secured their first WPL title in 2024.
- Strong team spirit — Mandhana praised the hard work and dedication of her teammates.
- Delhi Capitals' fourth final loss — Jemimah Rodrigues expressed pride in her team's journey.
Mandhana further elaborated on the team's rigorous training regimen, stating that their hard work in the gym has boosted their confidence, enabling them to chase down any score. She specifically commended Georgia for her exceptional performance with the bat, indicating that every player contributed to their success. The captain's leadership and the team’s collective effort have not only brought glory to RCB but also inspired fans worldwide.
In contrast, Delhi Capitals captain Jemimah Rodrigues reflected on her team's journey throughout the tournament, expressing immense pride in their resilience. Despite facing challenges early in the season, her team fought hard to reach the finals, demonstrating exceptional character. Rodrigues emphasized the significance of their performance, especially in a high-stakes match like the final, stating, "204 in a final is always a great score. Everyone fought hard, gave their best, and that is what is important." Her sentiments resonate with the spirit of competition and the dedication displayed by both teams in this thrilling tournament.