Strategy, stars and Smriti Mandhana aligned for RCB in the run-up to their second WPL crown

BENGALURU: When the pressure soared and the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara rang with chants of “RCB, RCB”, Smriti Mandhana delivered like true champions do. Her match-defining knock in the final on Thursday night captured the essence of a Royal Challengers Bengaluru side that had perfected the art of peaking at the right moment this Women’s Premier League season.This second title was no fluke. It was the reward for sharp auction calls, influential overseas firepower and a squad that repeatedly found match-winners when the stakes were highest.

For the two-time champions, success was built on a string of smart decisions that came together when it mattered most. TOI outlines the key factors behind Smriti & Co’s title triumph.The auctionRCB’s title run was, in many ways, set in motion long before the first ball was bowled — at the auction table.

While a few selections initially raised eyebrows, the franchise’s clarity of planning soon became evident.The core was retained with Smriti, Richa Ghosh and Shreyanka Patil, alongside star all-rounder Ellyse Perry. However, a late twist came just before the season when Perry withdrew, citing personal reasons, prompting RCB to rope in India all-rounder Sayali Satghare as a replacement.What followed at the auction highlighted RCB’s shrewd approach.

Lauren Bell, Grace Harris, Nadine de Klerk, Radha Yadav and Georgia Voll proved great value additions. They not only strengthened the squad but also delivered crucial performances at different stages.The strategy ultimately produced a versatile unit, with different match-winners emerging through the campaign.Aye aye captainAnother defining factor was undoubtedly the skipper. Fresh off a World Cup triumph last year, Smriti capped an outstanding phase of her career by leading RCB to a second WPL title.She amassed 377 runs at an average of 53.85 and a strike rate of 153.25 to finish as the season’s leading run-getter. Her ability to provide brisk starts while also anchoring innings gave RCB stability and momentum.Those qualities culminated in her match-winning 87 in the final — a knock blending composure and aggression under pressure. Her half-century off 23 balls was the fastest fifty in a WPL final.Beyond the runs, Smriti’s tactical clarity and calm leadership stood out, reinforcing her stature as one of the premier leaders in women’s cricket.The South African influenceOne of the most influential figures in RCB’s campaign was all-rounder Nadine de Klerk. Returning for a second stint, the South African arrived in form after strong international performances and carried that confidence into the WPL.She made an immediate impact in the opener against the Mumbai Indians, guiding RCB through a tense chase. De Klerk soon became the side’s go-to all-rounder in pressure situations.She finished with 16 wickets from nine matches — the third-highest tally — including a best of 4/22.

With the bat, an unbeaten 63 and several crucial middle-order contributions, often alongside Richa Ghosh, added depth and balance to the lineup.Overseas firepowerApart from de Klerk, RCB benefited from consistent overseas contributions. Despite Perry’s absence, the replacements stepped up admirably. Grace Harris filled the void with her explosive batting at the top, finishing as the season’s ‘Super Striker’ with an impressive strike rate of 178.19.

Her aggressive starts in the powerplay frequently laid the foundation for big totals.Georgia Voll delivered when it mattered most, producing a vital 79 in the final. With the ball, England seamer Lauren Bell emerged as one of RCB’s most reliable performers. Trusted with the new ball, she combined late outswing with disciplined control, bowling a tournament-high 128 dot balls.Strong Indian coreWhile overseas stars played key roles, RCB’s triumph was equally powered by a solid Indian core.Uncapped batter Gautami Naik created history by becoming the first uncapped player to score a WPL half-century, adding depth to the batting lineup. Karnataka’s Shreyanka Patil, returning from injury, repaid the franchise’s faith with a memorable five-wicket haul and finished with 11 wickets, including a best of 5/23.Radha Yadav once again proved her value as a clutch performer, sealing the final with back-to-back boundaries under pressure. In the middle order, Richa Ghosh provided the finishing firepower, including a season-best 90 that reinforced RCB’s batting strength.