WPL 2024 Final: Royal Challengers Bangalore Women created history on Sunday (March 17) as they ended the franchise’s long wait for their maiden title.
Under the leadership of Smriti Mandhana, RCB won the Women’s Premier League 2024 title at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
The Bangalore-based franchise which came into existence in 2008 with the onset of the Indian Premier League (IPL) came tantalisingly close to realise their dream of becoming the IPL champions realised through their women’s team in the WPL 2024 season.
Virat Kohli, the former captain of the RCB, has been part of the franchise since its inception but hasn’t yet lifted the coveted trophy. Soon after the RCB Women scripted history in Delhi, Kohli, the former India captain, called upon Smriti Mandhana to congratulate her and her teammates as they defeated Delhi Capitals by 8 wickets in a low-scoring final.
TV screens showed that Kohli was on a video call with Mandhana and others as the support staff of the RCB carried the phone into the stadium. Kohli arrived in India on Sunday after the birth of his child Akaay in the United Kingdom.
Mandhana received the winning check of Rs 6 Crore and the winner’s trophy. During the post-match presentation, Mandhana said, “Ee Sala Cup Namdhu”, meaning this year the cup is already ours. Her statement sent millions of RCB fans into joy as they had been waiting for this day.
When asked about the conversation with Kohli, Mandhana informed the media persons during the post-match press conference. The Maharashtra cricketer said, “I couldn’t hear what he (Virat) said during the video call as it was very noisy out there. But there was happiness on his face. He spoke to us last season after our poor run and boosted our morale. Maybe I will chat with him when we reach Bangalore.”
Avinash Sharma Mykhel
source: mykhel.com