In a post-match press conference after Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) emphatic entry into the WPL 2026 final, captain Smriti Mandhana shared insights into the mental fortitude that defined their campaign. The team mantra? ‘The final is just one win away.’ This simple yet powerful reminder stayed constant, even amid turbulence.
Thursday’s 18th league fixture saw RCB dismantle UP Warriors by 8 wickets in Vadodara. The Warriors managed 143/8, but RCB’s batsmen cruised home in 13.1 overs. As defending champions from 2024, RCB now hunts for back-to-back glory.
Mandhana was candid about the early threats posed by UP’s openers. ‘What a game it was,’ she remarked to broadcasters. ‘Lanning and Deepti gave them a flying start – 60-70 runs without wicket. But our bowlers flipped the script. Grace’s two strikes were crucial, de Klerk bowled brilliantly, and the entire unit clicked. Team bowling at this level is pure delight.’
Addressing the two prior defeats, she stressed resilience. ‘Post those losses, we avoided emotional pitfalls. After dominating the first five games, we gave credit where due – like to Nat Sciver-Brunt last time. We analyzed objectively, pinpointed improvements, and executed.’
On team communication, Mandhana noted, ‘The message never wavered: one win from the final. Support staff’s steady guidance, regardless of results, has been our backbone. Over three matches, that narrative held, and securing it straight to the final feels incredible.’
This victory underscores RCB’s depth and Mandhana’s tactical acumen, positioning them strongly for the ultimate prize.