Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women ended their WPL 2025 campaign with a win but missed the playoffs. Captain Smriti Mandhana reflects on a season of close calls and what’s next for the team.
RCBW’s WPL 2025: A Near Miss Despite a Strong Finish
A Season of What-Ifs
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCBW) concluded their Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 season on a high note, defeating the Mumbai Indians Women. However, this victory couldn’t mask the bitter taste of missing the playoffs. Despite a strong start with two wins, a subsequent five-game losing streak, including several agonizingly close defeats at their home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, ultimately sealed their fate.
Smriti Mandhana’s Reflections
Captain Smriti Mandhana acknowledged the team’s spirited performance and resilience throughout the season’s ups and downs. She highlighted the sting of narrowly losing several matches, emphasizing how a few different results could have completely changed their playoff prospects. Mandhana stressed the importance of collective responsibility and noted her own desire to contribute more in crucial moments. The team’s spirit, however, remained unshaken.
Analyzing RCBW’s Performance
RCBW’s journey underscores the fine line between success and failure in franchise cricket. While their initial wins were promising, inconsistencies, particularly in close matches, proved costly. The team’s performance at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium highlights the importance of leveraging home advantage effectively. The inability to convert tight games into victories points to a need for sharper execution under pressure.
The Significance of Close Contests
The WPL 2025 proved incredibly competitive, with many matches decided by small margins. RCBW’s struggles in these close encounters underline the need for greater tactical flexibility, improved decision-making, and mental fortitude in high-pressure situations. The team’s ability to maintain focus during the final stages of a match needs significant improvement.
Looking Ahead: A Path to Future Success
While RCBW’s playoff hopes fell short, their 2025 season provided invaluable lessons. The team’s spirit and commitment, coupled with strategic improvements in match execution and tactical adaptability, will undoubtedly pave the way for future success. The experience gained will be crucial in shaping their approach for the coming seasons, setting the stage for a stronger and more competitive campaign. The focus will be on converting close matches and dominating at home. The future is bright for RCBW, even with the disappointment of this year’s near-miss.
