WPL 2025: The stage is set. The crowd is ready. But can Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) turn things around in their own backyard?
The atmosphere at M Chinnaswamy Stadium was electric during RCB’s first home game of the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL). The fans showed up in full force. The energy was unmatched. But despite all the support, RCB fell short, allowing Mumbai Indians (MI) to snatch a thrilling win. Now, they get another shot at redemption. On Monday, February 24, RCB takes on UP Warriorz (UPW), hoping to give their home crowd something to cheer about.
RCB’s Road to Redemption
Last match? A tough pill to swallow. Captain Smriti Mandhana’s decision to hand Kanika Ahuja the penultimate over backfired. A small mistake, but in a competitive league, every little decision counts.
This season has been intense. Every match feels like a final. And UPW? They’re coming in hot. Fresh off a dominant win against Delhi Capitals (DC), they’ll be full of confidence. Chinelle Henry was on fire, smashing eight massive sixes to power UPW to victory. If RCB wants to win, they’ll need a solid plan to contain her.
What RCB Needs to Do
If RCB wants to bounce back, they need to:
- Bolster the Batting Lineup—Ellyse Perry has been their rock, but she needs help. Mandhana, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, and Kanika Ahuja must step up and deliver.
- Sharpen the Bowling Attack—Georgia Wareham is in top form with six wickets in her last two games. Renuka Singh Thakur has been lethal with the new ball. But they need more bowlers to rise to the occasion.
- Avoid Tactical Errors—Smart decisions in crunch moments can be the difference between winning and losing. Field placements and bowling changes need to be spot on.
UP Warriorz: A Team on the Rise
UPW won’t go down without a fight. They have momentum, and Chinelle Henry is in destructive form. But they can’t rely on her alone. Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris, and Deepti Sharma must contribute more consistently.
Their biggest concern is bowling. Kranti Goud impressed with a four-wicket haul in the last match, but their pace attack looks weak. Their heavy reliance on spin could be risky on Bengaluru’s batting-friendly pitch.
Can RCB Deliver for Their Fans?
This is a golden chance for RCB to bounce back. They have the talent and the home support, but can they execute when it matters most?
UPW will be tough. They’re confident. They’re hungry. But if RCB plays to their potential, this could be their night.
Prediction: RCB will win Match 9 of WPL 2025.
Squads
Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
Smriti Mandhana (c), Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Ellyse Perry, Sabbhineni Meghana, Raghvi Bist, Richa Ghosh (wk), Georgia Wareham, Kanika Ahuja, Kim Garth, Prema Rawat, Renuka Thakur Singh, Ekta Bisht, Heather Graham, Charlie Dean, Sneh Rana, Jagravi Pawar, Nuzhat Parween, Joshitha VJ.
UP Warriorz:
Chamari Athapaththu, Vrinda Dinesh, Kiran Navgire, Grace Harris, Tahlia McGrath, Deepti Sharma (c), Uma Chetry (wk), Sophie Ecclestone, Anjali Sarvani, Kranti Goud, Saima Thakor, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Gouher Sultana, Arushi Goel, Chinelle Henry, Alana King, Shweta Sehrawat, Poonam Khemnar.
RCB will be desperate for a win. UPW will look to continue their momentum. One thing’s for sure—this is going to be a cracking contest!
