Royal Challengers Bengaluru pulled off a record chase to defeat Delhi Capitals in the TATA WPL 2026 final, lifting the trophy for the second time on the back of captain Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll’s batting masterclass. Katey Martin, Mithali Raj and Lauren Bell discussed Mandhana's peak form and leadership and RCB's camaraderie in chasing 203.
Katey Martin reflected on Smriti Mandhana’s standout performance in the TATA WPL 2026 final:
“I think we saw the very best of Smriti Mandhana, not just because of the runs she scored, but because of what she means to this team and everything she has been through over the last couple of months. To be a World Cup champion, a WPL champion, and the mainstay of a side she truly adores is special. We saw some of the best shots I’ve ever seen Smriti play. When she’s in that kind of form, you genuinely have no answers, apart from crossing your fingers and hoping she makes a mistake. What a moment for her and for her team.”
On Jemimah Rodrigues and the emotions of the TATA WPL 2026 final:
“I don’t think Jemimah would ever say she left anything out on the field. It’s been a massive five days for Delhi Capitals, and we saw her walk off with her head down and have a moment in the dressing room. Sometimes, though, it’s about more than just the game. Seeing Smriti and Jemimah together at the end—one a winner and one just falling short, says everything about cricket. You make your best friends in this game and lifelong memories. I have no doubt Jemimah will come back year after year. She’s grown immensely from this tournament, not just as a player but as a captain. She should hold her head high, and maybe next year, she’ll be saying, ‘Fifth time lucky, Smriti.’”
Mithali Raj assessed Smriti Mandhana’s leadership and Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s campaign:
“Losing an important player like Ellyse Perry just before the start of the season, bringing in new additions, and getting the combinations right, it hasn’t been easy. They started well, had a slight blip with back-to-back losses, regrouped, and then had a six-day break. As a leader, Smriti had a lot to do in keeping the unit positive. We saw Grace Harris speaking in the huddle, settling nerves before the big final. You can see the camaraderie in this group. One of Smriti’s biggest strengths is keeping things calm and simple, allowing players to be themselves and bring out their best.”
Royal Challengers Bengaluru fast bowler Lauren Bell reflected on their team's successful chase to win the TATA WPL 2026 final:
"I don't get involved in the batting plans, but I was pretty calm. Chasing 200, you have to go hard from the start. Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll put on that lovely partnership for the second wicket. It was a joy to watch. I was just sitting back watching it. Then for the girls to come in at the end and finish the job shows what we have done as a team. Throughout this tournament, different people have stood up. It was an amazing chase and an amazing final. It has been a period of domination."
On the pressure and belief during the chase:
"In any final, there are nerves. You cannot ignore them. We watched the Eliminator where Delhi Capitals beat Gujarat Giants. We knew it would be a good pitch. We thought their score of 203 was maybe above par. We did not bowl great in some spells. But our batting lineup is strong, and we back ourselves to chase anything. We knew it was a good pitch. In this tournament, we have seen that you can chase big scores in the last five overs. We felt we were in the game throughout the whole chase."
