‘Played through massive flu!’: Coach reveals after Smriti Mandhana’s heroic 87 powers RCB to WPL glory

NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru head coach Malolan Rangarajan revealed that captain Smriti Mandhana battled a “massive flu” and high fever while producing a match-winning knock that guided RCB to their second Women’s Premier League title on Thursday. Mandhana’s breathtaking 41-ball 87 helped Bengaluru pull off a record-breaking chase of 204 against Delhi Capitals, sealing one of the most dramatic triumphs in WPL history.

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Speaking after the final, Rangarajan hailed Mandhana’s innings as one of the finest he had witnessed, praising her control and composure under pressure. “Smriti, I think, saved one of her best innings for the final. The way she batted today was inhuman — so classy, so elegant. It didn’t even look like a 200 chase the way she was timing the ball,” he said, highlighting how the skipper dictated the tempo of the chase.




The coach also disclosed the extent of Mandhana’s illness, calling her effort a testament to her leadership. “Smriti played this game with a massive, massive flu. She was seriously unwell with a high fever, but she turned up and didn’t even show it. When I spoke to her, she just said, ‘No problem, I’ll be there.’ That’s the person she is,” Rangarajan added.

In the summit clash, Delhi Capitals had posted a daunting 203/4, powered by Jemimah Rodrigues’ 57 and a late blitz from Chinelle Henry. However, Mandhana, alongside Georgia Voll, stitched together a decisive 165-run partnership that shattered DC’s hopes. Voll struck 79, while late contributions from Radha Yadav and Nadine de Klerk ensured RCB crossed the finish line with two balls to spare.

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Rangarajan credited Mandhana’s relentless pursuit of improvement for her success, calling her a “nerd” about batting. “She’s always looking to get better at her skill. That’s why she has achieved what she has,” he said.

The victory marked the highest successful chase in WPL and IPL finals history and the first time a target above 175 has been chased in any women’s T20 final.


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