RCB Women get a cheer from Virat Kohli for WPL title defense

As RCB Women set out to defend their title in the third edition of the Women's Premier League, they got a cheer from Virat Kohli. Former captain of the RCB in IPL, Kohli has been an elemental figure in cheering for his women counterparts in the series. The Women team achieved last season what the men still await in the IPL as the Smriti Mandhana-led team claimed the WPL title. Now, as they gear up for another title-winning campaign, the Indian cricketer wished them the best as he himself remains focused on the ICC Champions Trophy.

Virat Kohli wishes RCB Women ahead of third edition of the WPL

Virat Kohli extended his best wishes to Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the Women’s Premier League 2025 season. The Smriti Mandhana side is set to begin its title defense on Friday, February 14, facing off against Ash Gardner’s Gujarat Giants at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. After failing to make the playoffs in 2023, RCB made a stunning turnaround last year, clinching the championship by defeating Delhi Capitals in the final. Now, as they set out to defend the glory, Kohli gave a shout out to the defending champions. In a video shared on RCB’s official social media, Kohli, who remains the highest run-scorer in Indian Premier League history, encouraged the team to play with freedom and confidence.

“I would like to wish the women’s team all the very best for the upcoming WPL season. It’s amazing what you did last year and I just hope that you ride that momentum and take that confidence into this tournament as well,” Kohli said in the video.

“There’s no shortage of talent and we’ve seen last year as well and I’m sure that with the load off you back already of winning the title, you will go out there and express yourself and enjoy the support you get from fans all over India. So, I wish you all the best for the upcoming season,” Kohli added.

Despite being the reigning champions, RCB faces a few setbacks due to injuries. Kate Cross, Asha Sobhana, and Sophie Molineux have been ruled out, while Sophie Devine, who holds the WPL record for the highest individual score of 99, has opted out of the tournament to focus on domestic cricket. To fill the gaps, RCB has named Charlie Dean as Molineux’s replacement, with Heather Graham and Kim Garth stepping in for Devine and Cross. Additionally, wicketkeeper Nuzhat Parween was brought into the squad after Sobhana’s injury forced her out of the competition. Nonetheless, the team's brightest spots, Smriti Mandhana and Australian all-rounder Elysse Perry spearhead the campaign this season as well.