Ahead of the crucial Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 final against Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Smriti Mandhana is keeping her team grounded. Mandhana stressed on the importance of avoiding the 'added pressure that often comes with playing in a big final. This approach differs from their struggles in the inaugural WPL season.
Mandhana, on the cusp of becoming the first RCB captain to win a title, wants the team to focus on the present moment rather than the weight of history. By enjoying each day and taking things one step at a time, they hope to create a winning atmosphere in the final.
Smriti Mandhana doesn't want RCB teammates to take added pressure ahead of WPL final
“I think last 25 days have all been about process-driven. We have not really thought about what we want to do or what our goal is. We really wanted to take each day at a time,” Mandhana said before the WPL 2024 final against Delhi Capitals.
“It’s still the same team, we think about what we have to do in training, which is really important, and then come out without thinking that this is Eliminator or a Final. All of those things are just added pressure. We will keep doing that and our work rightly,” she further added.
The Women's Premier League final promises to be a thrilling encounter, despite the historical advantage tipping towards Delhi Capitals. RCB has never defeated DC in their four previous WPL meetings, with their last encounter being a nail-biting one-run defeat for the Challengers.
However, RCB is riding a wave of confidence after back-to-back victories over Harmanpreet Kaur's Mumbai Indians. Ellyse Perry has been a key player for them, showcasing her all-rounding prowess with a six-wicket haul in the last league match followed by a brilliant fifty in the Eliminator.
On the other hand, Delhi Capitals finished the season at the top of the table and secured a direct entry into the final. Led by Meg Lanning, they'll be determined to erase the disappointment of being runners-up in the inaugural WPL season. This clash presents a unique opportunity for both teams: RCB to rewrite history and claim their first title, and DC to finally conquer their nemesis and lift the trophy.
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