RCB in WPL 2024: It’s not ‘ee sala cup namde’ anymore! Smriti Mandhana-led Royal Challengers Bangalore has turned the T20 war cry into a reality and it’s ‘ee sala cup namdu.’ With RCB women lifting the ‘Women Premier League’ trophy at the Arun Jaitley stadium in the thrilling finale on Sunday, all eyes are on the RCB men squad to end the 15-year-old drought.
RCB women defeated Delhi Capitals women by eight wickets to win the title in their second attempt. Though initially, things looked a bit off for the Challengers as they lost openers Smriti Mandhana and Sophie Devine in quick succession, it was the heroics of Richa Ghosh and Ellyse Perry that led RCB to win the final with three balls remaining. The social media is flooded with congratulatory messages for the RCB women. Cricket stalwarts such as Sachin Tendulkar and others have lauded the stellar performance of the RCB.
While Virat Kohli was seen video calling Mandhana after the match, brutal questions are being asked by RCB fans as to what the RCB men squad will do this year. Both Kohli and Glenn Maxwell are in the eye of storm with RCB fans as well as IPL watchers wondering whether ‘boys can do it this year?’ Harbhajan Singh was among those who questioned Kohli and Maxwell for their IPL plan this year. The ace spinner said that the spotlight will be on Kohli, who is scheduled to return to competitive cricket, after a hiatus of 60 days.
Even Michael Vaughan, former England skipper, also asked the similar question. ” Can the men do the double,” he said on X (previously Twitter) .
RCB, along with Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, are among the three original franchises that have never clinched an IPL title since the inaugural season in 2008. In contrast, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have each secured the title five times, making them the most successful teams in IPL history. Kolkata Knight Riders have won twice, while Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals have been crowned champions once each.