WPL 2025: Rashmika Mandhana Lauds Ahuja, Ghosh For RCB’s Stunning Win

February 15, 2025: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made an impressive comeback in their Women’s Premier League (WPL) campaign after a rocky start, securing a thrilling victory. Captain Smriti Mandhana was elated to see her team fight back after conceding a high total, the fourth-highest in WPL history, from Gujarat Giants. Despite the early setbacks, RCB chased down 202 in style, with key performances from Richa Ghosh, Kanika Ahuja, and Ellyse Perry.

Mandhana praised her middle order for stepping up after early collapses. “It was brilliant to watch,” she said. She highlighted how Ahuja and Ghosh’s performances in the nets had paid off, and she was particularly pleased with how the team adjusted to the challenges presented by the pitch and conditions. “After the first innings, we knew with the dew coming, it was going to be tough to bowl. So, we always thought we were in the game,” Mandhana added. Her admiration for Richa Ghosh and Ellyse Perry was evident as she lauded their incredible batting displays.

The match started on a tough note for RCB when Ashleigh Gardner’s all-round brilliance propelled Gujarat Giants to a commanding position. Gardner hammered a blistering 79 off 37 balls, putting RCB under pressure as they lost key wickets, including Mandhana and Danni Wyatt-Hodge early. However, Gujarat Giants faltered with sloppy fielding, dropping several chances and making critical misfields, which allowed RCB to stay in the hunt.

Perry steadied the chase with a composed 57 off 34 balls, and then Ghosh, with her match-winning 64* off 27 balls, took charge. Alongside her, Ahuja contributed with a quick-fire 30* off 13 balls, guiding RCB to a comfortable win.

Ghosh, who took a little time to settle, credited pre-tournament match simulations for helping her keep her cool under pressure. “The plan was to take some time, and see how the pitch is reacting,” Ghosh explained. “I wanted to take it deep, and I focused on my game. We thought we could get to the total, and that we would play a positive game.”

Ahuja, who had missed the previous season due to injury, was thrilled to be back and making a difference. “It feels great. I’m really happy as I’m playing after a year,” she said. She also made valuable contributions with the ball, taking 1 for 19 in her three overs of off-spin.

Despite missing key players like Sophie Devine (unavailable) and others due to injuries, Mandhana expressed confidence in the squad, with debutants Prema Rawat, VJ Joshitha, and Raghvi Bist stepping up. However, she acknowledged areas for improvement, especially in bowling and fielding. “I think we lost pretty much the top-three wicket-takers of last year,” Mandhana said, adding that discussions and improvements would follow in the next couple of days as they prepared for their next match.