Malolan hails Smriti Mandhana's spirit (Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com)
Last night was pure bliss for every RCB fan as the women’s team delivered a moment to remember forever. After a dream run in the ongoing tournament, the RCB women created history as they lifted their second WPL trophy after beating the Delhi Capitals by six wickets.
In a nerve-wrecking massive chase, captain Smriti Mandhana cleared RCB’s way towards the trophy with a sublime knock. Head coach Malolan Rangarajan later revealed her bigger battle came off the field, as she fought a fever before taking on DC’s lethal attack.
RCB head coach opens up on Smriti Mandhana’s hidden battle with fever
After being trolled for not winning the trophies for years, RCB Women first broke the jinx in 2024, but they were destined for double delights. Following a forgettable WPL season last year, they stormed back with fierce intent this time. Riding a dream run, RCB Women sealed their second WPL title in style.
Despite having a tough time with the ball initially, RCB showcased character in the chase. After an early blow, captain Smriti Mandhana didn’t let the momentum slip away as her sublime knock of 87 runs pushed the side towards their second title. What made it even more special was her off-field battle, as Smriti fought fever before taking on DC’s bowling attack.
After they sealed the trophy for the second time, the RCB Women’s head coach Malolan Rangarajan revealed Smriti’s battle with the fever. Praising her indomitable spirit, he shared how the skipper assured him she would take the field no matter what.
“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. When I spoke to her this afternoon, she said, 'Nahi, Malo, koi problem nahi (there's no problem), I'll be there.' So that's her with her work ethic,” he said.
Rangarajan praises captain’s match-winning masterclass
The tournament has seen some unreal chase but nothing comes closer to the last match. Chasing down the massive total of 204 runs, RCB lost an early wicket after Grace Harris walked away, scoring only 9 runs. From there, Smriti Mandhana took control, stitching a game-changing partnership with Georgia Voll to turn the match on its head.
Leading the side from the front, she smashed a 23-ball fifty and kept swinging the bat on high. In front of her explosion, DC bowlers looked helpless. Witnessing that destruction, RCB head coach Malolan Rangarajan was left searching for words to describe Smriti’s brilliance.
“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. So classy, so elegant…it didn't feel… when you looked at her, you could see that she was in control of what she wanted to do. She was timing the ball, she was hitting, picking the pockets in which she wanted to attack,” he said.
Malolan shares the secret behind Smriti Mandhana’s greatness
In the ongoing season, RCB started off brilliantly with an outstanding unbeaten streak, but some mid-season disappointment bothered them. Yet, through every phase, Smriti Mandhana’s bat kept doing the talking. After they claimed the title for the second time, the RCB head coach revealed what makes Smriti Mandhana different from others.
“She's a nerd when it comes to her batting. I guess that's why she's ended up achieving what she's achieved in life, always looking to improve, always looking to get better at her skill,” he added.
Sealing two titles in three years is not an easy job, but the RCB women did the unthinkable. From dominating the season to becoming the first team to book a spot in the final, Smriti Mandhana and Co. finished in the best possible way, lifting the trophy for the second time.
