In the big fancy world of the Indian Premier League, there are teams and then there is a certain RCB. This isn’t just a cricketing outfit; it’s a symbol of hope and resilience. Of consistency and exuberance. Few teams bring as much joy to premier T20 franchise format cricket as the RCB. And much like the passionate Red and Black colours that are signature inclusions in the players’ jersey, they play the game that way as well. With utmost passion and flair. And a big time fan favourite is the RCB Women’s team. But was the RCB Women’s journey always that easy? Truth be told, anything bit.
After enduring what was clearly a calamitous and unsteady opening season campaign, circa 2023, a year marked by as many as 6 defeats and just 2 wins, the RCB women in 2023 did actually come a long way to where they are at present in the pre eminent women’s franchise based competition. Wouldn’t you agree?
Given their last season’s fairy tale triumph, one where they lifted a hugely anticipated and as seen at the end of the day, much deserved triumph, the RCB Women have come quite some distance.
While it’s one thing to win the prized crown of the Women’s IPL, the trophy (that is much coveted), it’s quite something to become the first ever RCB outfit- men or women’s cricket- to do that and in so doing, the women’s team set a benchmark of sorts for their men’s counterparts.
What do you reckon?
The Royal Challengers Bangalore Women have scripted one of the most compelling journeys in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) since the tournament’s inception in 2023. From early struggles to championship glory, RCB Women have evolved into one of the league’s defining teams.
Overall records where it stands at present:
Matches Played 17
Matches Won 9
Win Percentage 52.9%
Best Season WPL 2024
Highest Run-Scorer Ellyse Perry (347 runs)
Highest Wicket-Taker Shreyanka Patil (13 wickets)
Best Player – It could be argued is Smriti Mandhana.
Why’s that the case?
The all weather RCB Women Captain during the 2024 title win has been, needless to say, instrumental in setting team culture and tempo at the top
One of RCB’s top run contributors across seasons. Even as the great legend of the sport Ellyse Perry (who’s sat out for WPL current season) dominated statistically speaking in 2024, Smriti Mandhana’s committed leadership and consistency make her the most influential player in RCB Women’s WPL history.
To be noted
Given they have a match winning and strongly balanced squad that is focused at winning, the RCB Women have established a wonderful but growing legacy in the premier women’s competition where it comes to franchise cricket.
