The iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium wasn’t just roaring for the IPL 2026 opener, it was celebrating its champions. As Royal Challengers Bengaluru took on Sunrisers Hyderabad in a thrilling clash, the presence of WPL-winning stars Smriti Mandhana (RCB Captain), Shreyanka Patil, and Arundhati Reddy added an extra layer of emotion to the evening. And the night ended perfectly for the home fans, RCB clinched a 6-wicket victory, making it a celebration worthy of champions.
Smriti Mandhana reflected on the emotions of returning to Chinnaswamy: “I mean, it feels amazing to be back at Chinnaswamy very happy that cricket is back at chinnaswamy and and yeah, so many memories we’ve had as a team, so really pleased and happy to come by there.”
She also highlighted the emotional connection she shares with the ground:
“My only international wicket is actually in this stadium. So that’s one of the foundish memories. I have, but nothing can go past my first experience as a captain walking out at Chinnaswamy and not being able to hear the presenter speak. I mean, I had never felt it before, as a woman cricketer, but I mean, the crowd gave me a lot of emotions in that moment, and I feel even at this. The moment I close my eyes, I can recall that emotion, which is very rare with me. But yeah, I mean, that’s one thing, which has always stayed with me.”
Despite their champion status, the players embraced the evening as fans in the stands. Shreyanka Patil shared her excitement: “I mean, we love winning so, so I was very happy and just to come here and after I think 200 odd days coming here in Chinnaswamy stadium opening game, nothing can be better than this.”
And her love for the RCB atmosphere was unmistakable: “Absolutely. I mean, playing in front of these lovely fans and this lovely ground and this beautiful stadium, I just love being here, and obviously, I’ve won the WPL trophy twice, and now just to come back here. It feels like home for me, and I’ve always been a die-hard fan. ”She added a heartfelt fan perspective: “And I’m forever a fan whenever I watch the IPL. I’m not here at Chinnaswamy as a cricketer watching the match, but as a huge fan. I’m a big fan girl, just like everyone else sitting here- boys and girls enjoying the game. I’m simply one among them.”
Off the field, it was all laughter and light moments between the teammates. Patil revealed: “Food, for sure. It would be Jemmi (Jemimah Rodrigues) or Aru (Arundhati Reddy), because she’s a huge foodie. But honestly, it’s also about just being here. Now that Aru plays for RCB, she loves coming here for the crowd, the energy, the fans- everyone chanting ‘RCB, RCB.’ She absolutely loves it. And since we’re playing against SRH and she’s from Hyderabad, I teased her, asking, ‘Who are you supporting?’ I told her, ‘Don’t you dare say SRH, you’ll be in trouble here!’ It was all in good fun. But I know deep down how much she loves being here and how much she enjoys it, just like Jemmi.”
Arundhati Reddy opened up about the overwhelming support she receives as an RCB player: “Everywhere I go, people actually know me more as an RCB player. I think it is just I’ve never, I’ve never got this kind of love otherwise, but you know, just grateful and really happy that I’m part of RCB, and can just feel great.”
She also spoke about enjoying the game like a true fan: “We’re just watching, just having fun—enjoying the game as spectators, as true cricket fans.”
Mandhana summed up the significance of the night beyond just trophies: “We’ve had two seasons of the WPL, and I feel there’s a different emotion when you play at Chinnaswamy. The noise, the energy, it’s incredible. I’m so happy that it’s a full house. There’s nothing better than seeing this stadium packed for me, especially with cricket back here.”
Of course, winning the trophy is special, and I’m sure people enjoyed and celebrated it. But more than anything, I’m just really happy that cricket is back here.”
With RCB sealing a 6-wicket win and their WPL champions soaking in the energy from the stands, the IPL 2026 opener was more than just a game, it was a celebration of legacy, fandom, and the ever-growing bond between the team and its supporters.
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.