Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their exceptional form in Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, becoming the first team to secure a spot in the playoffs after winning their first five matches of the season. Captain Smriti Mandhana lauded her team’s collective effort and strong belief as key factors behind the unbeaten start, highlighting contributions across the squad that have helped RCB dominate the early phase of the competition.
RCB’s latest success came after a commanding performance across batting and bowling departments, but it is the team’s consistency under pressure that Mandhana believes has set them apart. On the team’s campaign so far, she said, “It has been a great start to our campaign, and we are very pleased with our performances so far. We have tried to stay true to our processes and continue to take it one game at a time, but the morale in the group is high, and the environment has been excellent.”
The Bengaluru outfit has impressed with their balanced approach throughout the tournament. While Mandhana’s own batting has anchored many of RCB’s chases, such as her influential 96-run innings in an eight-wicket victory over the Delhi Capitals, her leadership off the field has arguably been equally important. The skipper has often emphasised the importance of team unity and role clarity, and this season those principles appear to be paying dividends.
Mandhana stressed that victories have not always come easily, but RCB have shown resilience in critical moments. As she put it, “In every game, we have found a way to win, even in moments when we have been on the back foot, and that ability to close out results, even when it has not always been smooth sailing, is always a great sign for any team.”
That resilience has been evident in several matches this season. In RCB’s opening clash against Mumbai Indians Women, the bowlers set the tone with Nadine de Klerk’s four-wicket haul, helping restrict the opposition before the batting unit chased down 155 with relative comfort. Against UP Warriorz, the team posted a convincing total before cruising to a nine-wicket win, showcasing power hitting from Grace Harris and disciplined bowling from players like Shreyanka Patil and Nadine de Klerk.
The side’s bowling unit has also been a major contributor to their success. Mandhana herself highlighted the impact of her bowlers, saying that having multiple wicket-taking options has made life difficult for opponents. “When you have bowlers like Nadine de Klerk (10 wickets), Lauren Bell (9 wickets) and Shreyanka Patil (9 wickets) taking wickets, it naturally puts pressure on the opposition. Beyond them, there have been several other contributions as well. Sayali has stepped up, Arundhati has been economical, and Prema has delivered important spells. That balance and depth across the group is what is giving us confidence going forward.”
Mid-season form has thus firmly positioned RCB at the summit of the league table and set a strong foundation for their playoff push. The side’s depth, cultivated through smart auction buys and a clear strategic vision, has allowed both senior players and emerging talents to step up when required. Mandhana acknowledged this balance, pointing to the environment fostered by the coaching staff and management that encourages players to embrace their roles fully and contribute whenever needed.
Looking ahead, RCB are scheduled to face the Delhi Capitals next, a team eager to bounce back after a series of defeats. With momentum firmly on their side, RCB will aim to maintain their unbeaten streak and continue building towards the playoffs. Their early qualification has taken the pressure off somewhat, but Mandhana and her players have stressed that consistency remains the focus as the tournament progresses.
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