In recent years, the rallying cry “Ee Sala Cup Namde” (The Cup is ours this time) from Royal Challengers Bangalore has been a favourite target for social media banter. However, that narrative took a dramatic turn this past Sunday as RCB clinched their maiden trophy in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) final against Delhi Capitals, securing victory by eight wickets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Shreyanka Patil, RCB’s off-spinner and the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 13 dismissals, expressed her overwhelming sentiment and relief following the triumph. She credited RCB women’s head coach Luke Williams for fostering a calm atmosphere in the dressing room, which undoubtedly contributed to their success.
Shreyanka said: “They keep saying ‘Ee sala cup namde’ and we got it. That’s it guys, it is for the fans. Day in and day out we put in our hard work. We felt like family. We did not know Luke much. During the last game that we won against Mumbai, he had tears. We are looking forward to continuing this.”
From Mockery to Victory: How RCB Defied Odds in Women’s Premier League
Elysse Perry, the talismanic figure who topped the WPL’s run-scoring chart with 347 runs, commended the unwavering support shown to all teams throughout the tournament. She specifically highlighted the pivotal contributions of spinner Shreyanka and her fellow Australian teammate Sophie Molineux, whose efforts shifted the momentum of the final match after Delhi Capitals surged to 64 runs without loss.
Perry said: “Pretty bonkers, to be honest. It’s another level for us – the support for all the teams has been phenomenal and it’s been unbelievable.”
“She turned the match on its head. The rest of the spinners backed her up.
“Shreyanka is such a young player and she has got the world at her feet. It was a special performance.”
The victory not only silenced the mocking chants but also marked a significant milestone for RCB, who had long been yearning for a taste of championship glory. With Patil’s exceptional bowling performances and Perry’s influential batting display, coupled with the strategic guidance from coach Williams, RCB showcased a formidable combination of skill and resilience.
The support from fans and the exemplary teamwork displayed by players like Shreyanka and Molineux underscored the collective effort behind RCB’s historic triumph in the Women’s Premier League.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.