Royal Challengers Bangalore Women finally ended years of waiting by winning their first Women’s Premier League (WPL) title, creating an emotional moment not just for the team but for the entire RCB family. The historic win came after RCB defeated Delhi Capitals in the WPL final, marking a turning point for a franchise that has often come close but missed trophies.
Under the calm and confident leadership of Smriti Mandhana, RCB Women showed consistency, belief, and fearless cricket throughout the season. The victory was more than just a trophy — it was proof that RCB’s investment in women’s cricket was heading in the right direction.
RCB WPL 2026 Final: Thrilling Chase Seals Second Title
The final on February 5 was like a movie thriller. Delhi Capitals batted first and smashed 203 for 4 in 20 overs – the highest score ever in a WPL final. Jemimah Rodrigues top-scored with 57 runs, while Laura Wolvaardt and Chinelle Henry added quick boundaries to pile on the pressure. RCB bowlers like Arundhati Reddy picked up key wickets, but DC looked strong.
Then came the chase. Smriti Mandhana opened with fire, hitting 87 runs off just 41 balls – full of fours and sixes. She teamed up with Georgia Voll, who made 79, for a massive 165-run partnership. That broke records as the biggest in WPL finals. RCB wobbled a bit at the end but won with two balls left, by 6 wickets. Radha Yadav hit the winning boundaries amid wild celebrations.
This was RCB's second WPL trophy after 2024. They topped the league with 6 wins in 8 games, earning a straight final spot. No playoffs needed – pure dominance from January 9 opener against Mumbai Indians to the end.
Virat Kohli’s Full Message to Smriti Mandhana and RCB Team
Virat Kohli didn't wait long. Minutes after the last ball, he posted on Instagram: "Champions again. Keeping the RCB flag flying high and something that each one of you can be proud of. To Smriti 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."
Fans called it a "proud moment" because Kohli has been RCB's face for years. He won IPL 2025 with the men under Rajat Patidar, ending an 18-year wait. Now, RCB holds both IPL and WPL titles – first time ever for any team. Smriti replied with heart emojis, saying it fueled their fire. This message went viral, with millions of likes by February 6 morning.
Smriti Mandhana’s Heroics: Orange Cap Winner Shines in WPL 2026
Smriti Mandhana was the star. Her 87 in the final was magic – elegant drives, powerful pulls, and calm under pressure. She ended the season with the Orange Cap: around 290-400 runs at a strike rate over 140. In 8 league games plus final, she hit two fifties and led by example.
Remember her 96 off 61 vs DC earlier? Fans said it was her best WPL knock. From struggling in past seasons (average 24), she jumped to over 48 this year. As captain, she mixed attack with smarts, turning RCB into chasers. Post-win, she said: "This is for our fans who never gave up."
Her journey adds depth. From India opener to RCB skipper, Mandhana faced injuries but bounced back. This win cements her as a T20 great, inspiring girls across India.
RCB Women’s Dominant WPL 2026 Campaign: January to February Timeline
WPL 2026 kicked off January 9 in Navi Mumbai with RCB vs MI. They split venues: 4 games Navi Mumbai, 4 Vadodara. Key matches:
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Playoffs: No need! Direct final Feb 5. Total: 6 wins, strong net run rate. This run silenced "chokers" tag from past years.
RCB Women vs RCB Men: A New Chapter Begins
Interestingly, RCB Women delivered what the men’s team has been chasing for years — a league title. This does not create comparison pressure but rather opens a new chapter for the franchise.
The women’s team has set a benchmark. It has shown that belief, planning, and teamwork can change history.
Many fans now hope that this win will inspire RCB Men to finally lift the IPL trophy in the future.
#RCB congratulation🎇🎉 WPL 2026🏆🏆#so proud of our RCB girl's! We'll deserved win!"🤗🤞💫🥰🏆 pic.twitter.com/W6NwllP8tc
— @chandni yaduvanshi (@Y64289382Yadav) February 6, 2026
What This Title Means for Smriti Mandhana’s Career
Winning the WPL title as captain is a major milestone in Smriti Mandhana’s career. It adds another achievement to her already impressive resume.
This win:
- Strengthens her leadership credentials
- Boosts her legacy in franchise cricket
- Confirms her status as a role model
Mandhana has now proven herself not just as a star batter, but also as a successful leader.
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