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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) legend Virat Kohli congratulated the Smriti Mandhana-led women's RCB team for their second Women's Premier League title. The Bengaluru-based franchise defeated Delhi Capitals in the WPL 2026 final to become the second team after the Mumbai Indians, who clinched two titles.
RCB, a team that was mocked for years with “trophyless” jokes, has completely turned the story around by winning three titles in a short span across both men’s and women’s cricket. The breakthrough came in 2024 when the women’s team, led by Smriti Mandhana, finally ended the title drought. A year later, Rajat Patidar captained the men’s side to their first IPL trophy, ending an 18-year wait and delivering the long-awaited title for one of the franchise’s biggest and most loyal stars, Virat Kohli. Now, Mandhana has added another trophy to the cabinet, giving RCB a rare achievement, holding both the IPL and WPL titles at the same time.
Virat Kohli's social media post for Smriti Mandhana-led RCB
Taking to Instagram, Virat wrote, "Champions again. Keeping the rcb flag flying high and something that each one of you can be Proud of. To smriti @smriti_mandhana and the whole squad and the management team, a big congratulations for this tremendous victory. You guys deserve this undoubtedly. Enjoy the moment and embrace the love of our amazing fans @royalchallengers.bengaluru."
RCB vs DC WPL final
Coming back to match, RCB won the toss and decided to field first. DC got off to a quick start thanks to Lizelle Lee, who scored 37 off 30 balls with three fours and three sixes, and Shafali Verma, who made 20 off just 13 balls. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues led from the front with a well-made 57 off 37 balls, while Laura Wolvaardt supported her with 44 off 35. Just as RCB began to regain control, Chinelle Henry smashed an unbeaten 35 off 15 balls, giving DC a big finish and taking them to 203 for 4 in 20 overs which was the highest total ever in a WPL final.
ALSO READ: Smriti Mandhana, Georgia Voll shine as RCB lift second WPL trophy, defeating DC by six wickets
Chasing a huge target, RCB lost Grace Harris early for 8, but that didn’t slow them down. Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll put together a match-winning partnership that kept the scoreboard moving throughout the innings. Mandhana flexed her form, scoring 87 off 41 balls, while Voll played a brilliant knock of 79 off 54. DC tried to shift the mom entum of the game with three quick wickets near the end, but Radha Yadav and Nadine de Klerk calmly finished the chase, sealing the win with six wickets in hand and two balls to spare. Smriti Mandhana was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance.
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