RCB honour captain Smriti Mandhana rejoices second WPL triumph; Virat Kohli writes 'keeping the RCB flag flying high'

Ee sala kuda cup namdu 2 (This time too, the cup is ours.) Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the Women's Premier League (WPL) for the second time. The star cricketer went through a lot in her personal life after her wedding to Palash Munnchal, whom she dated for over six years, broke off. However, as it's rightly said, setbacks lead to a comeback. Smriti Mandhana proved it and how!

RCB defeated the Delhi Capitals by six wickets, chasing down 204. The franchise, which had won the WPL for the first time two years ago in 2024.

Dedicate this win to Smriti as she went through a lot in last few months, says Shreyanka

RCB spinner Shreyanka Patil was quick to acknowledge her skipper, Smriti Mandhana. And Patil dedicated the victory to three people: her captain, Mandhana; Malolan Rangarajan, the head coach of RCB; and Anya Shrubsole, the assistant coach of RCB.

"Would love to mention three people – number one, Smriti, because she has gone through a lot in the last couple of months. Would love to dedicate this win to her. Malo and Anya. Today is Anya's son's first birthday. And again, Malo – first time he's the head coach, and it's a special win for all of us," said Patil.

Speaking after the final, Patil said, "Very special for me. My comeback WPL season. Couldn't have asked for more. Lovely crowd here – supported us throughout, no matter what. 200 on the board, but they had faith in us. I thank each and every member who has come out and supported us. Also, to the people watching us in Bangalore and Karnataka, a big thanks to you guys."

After winning the title for the second time, Smriti Mandhana took a moment to thank the RCB fans for turning up in numbers and supporting the team through thick and thin.

"I have to thank all the RCB fans again for turning up in huge numbers. This one's for you guys. And I said this in 2024, I'll say it again – Ee sala cup namdu 2! (This year, the cup is ours)," said Mandhana.

Before collecting the trophy, Mandhana also flashed the number 2 symbol with her left hand and concluded by saying, "Let's go."

Virat Kohli pens heartfelt message congratulating RCB and Smriti Mandhana on WPL 2026 title win: 'Champions again...'

For the first time in the history of Indian franchise cricket, one team holds both the men's and women's titles. RCB had won the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the first time last year, and now they have won the WPL as well.

Virat Kohli couldn't hold back his excitement and immediately went to Instagram to like RCB's post announcing the triumph.

"Champions again. Keeping the RCB flag flying high is 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 on this tremendous victory. You guys deserve this undoubtedly. Enjoy the moment and embrace the love of our amazing fans @royalchallengers.bengaluru," Kohli wrote on Instagram.

Anushka Sharma also lauded the team and congratulated them.

Highlights on-field

Emotional Smriti Mandhana hugged Jemimah Rodrigues, and Smriti's father was also present at the stadium. She also interacted with the fans, sharing her joy and excitement.