The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) women’s team is poised to defend their hard-earned title in the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025. The defending champions come with pride and pressure in any competition, but for India’s rising star Shreyanka Patil, the reality of this achievement is still sinking in. The WPL 2024 champions scripted history with their maiden title win, marking a complete turnaround from their previous struggles.
“Being the defending champions is a big tag for us, and I’m still processing it. I feel like it will truly sink in once the season camp starts, and then I’ll be like, ‘Okay, fine, I’m into the next one.’ It’s been a surreal moment for all of us—Karnataka fans and RCB fans alike,” Shreyanka expressed, reflecting on the triumph.
The celebrations that followed RCB’s championship win were unmatched. Fans from across Karnataka rallied behind the team, creating an unforgettable homecoming for their players. Shreyanka shared how her life changed after the victory.
“Life has definitely changed after our victory. Coming from Delhi to here, the way RCB fans cheered for us and showed so much extra love was something I had never experienced before. When I returned home after the win, there were about 100 people outside my house, making noise and creating festive chaos. That day was very special to me because people from all over Karnataka, from various places, came to my house to celebrate,” she recalled.
The bond between Shreyanka and the fans remains central to her journey. “As a person, the love and support from fans mean a lot to me. I genuinely enjoy interacting with them because it feels like they are my people. Their love and encouragement bring out the best in me, and I cherish those moments of connection,” she said.
RCB’s journey to the 2024 title was nothing short of inspiring. After a dismal campaign in 2023, where they finished fourth following five consecutive losses, the team regrouped and emerged stronger. Their title-winning campaign was powered by exceptional performances from key players. Ellyse Perry claimed the Orange Cap with 347 runs, while Shreyanka Patil’s 13 wickets earned her the Purple Cap. Contributions from Smriti Mandhana (300 runs), Asha Sobhana (12 wickets), and Sophie Molineux (12 wickets) were equally vital to RCB’s success.
The historic 8-wicket victory over Meg Lanning-led Delhi Capitals in the final sealed their place in WPL history, marking a significant turnaround for the franchise under the dynamic leadership of Smriti Mandhana.
As the defending champions, RCB entered the WPL 2025 auction with ₹3.25 crore in their purse and four slots to fill, including one overseas player. Building on their solid core of 14 players, which now includes Danni Wyatt, traded from the UP Warriorz, RCB added fresh talent to their squad. Their key purchases included Prema Rawat for ₹1.20 crore, along with Joshitha VJ, Raghvi Bist, and Jagravi Pawar, each acquired for ₹10 lakhs.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad for WPL 2025:
Smriti Mandhana (C), Sabbineni Meghana, Richa Ghosh, Ellyse Perry (Australia), Georgia Wareham (Australia), Shreyanka Patil, Asha Sobhana, Sophie Devine (New Zealand), Renuka Singh, Sophie Molineux (Australia), Ekta Bisht, Kate Cross (England), Kanika Ahuja, Danni Wyatt (England – traded), Prema Rawat, Joshitha VJ, Jagravi Pawar, Raghvi Bist
(Quotes sourced from News18)
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