Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s WPL 2026 triumph carried deep emotional significance, with Smriti Mandhana emerging as the central figure of the title-winning campaign. After guiding RCB to their second WPL crown, Smriti Mandhana received special praise from spinner Shreyanka Patil, who dedicated the victory to her captain following a challenging few months.Smriti Mandhana praised for resilience and leadership

Speaking after the final, Patil highlighted how much the moment meant for Smriti Mandhana, crediting her strength and leadership throughout the season. Patil also acknowledged head coach Malolan Rangarajan and assistant coach Anya Shrubsole, marking the win as a collective achievement shaped by strong support staff and belief in the squad.

On the field, Smriti Mandhana produced a defining knock, scoring 87 runs to anchor the highest successful chase in WPL final history. Her 165-run partnership with Georgia Voll proved decisive as RCB chased down 204 runs, the biggest target ever achieved in a WPL final. This innings also became the highest individual score in a WPL final, underlining Mandhana’s impact on the grandest stage.

While Smriti Mandhana led from the front, contributions across the squad ensured success. Radha Yadav’s calm finishing touches sealed the chase, while the management’s emphasis on situational practice played a key role in preparing the team for high-pressure moments.

Despite conceding runs in the final, Shreyanka Patil finished the season with 11 wickets, describing the title as a perfect comeback campaign. For Delhi Capitals, the defeat meant another final heartbreak as they remained without a WPL trophy.

The WPL 2026 title reinforced Smriti Mandhana’s status as one of the tournament’s defining leaders, blending performance with perseverance to deliver one of RCB’s most memorable victories under Smriti Mandhana’s captaincy.