The last game of the Bengaluru leg in the WPL 2025 is set to take place as the home team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faces an in-form Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium today.
RCB’s Struggles in Bengaluru
It has been a nightmare for RCB since returning to their home venue. The defending champions started their title defence in style, securing two convincing wins in Vadodara. However, their homecoming has been disappointing, as they suffered three consecutive losses. As a result, with just four points, they sit in third place and will be desperate to end the home leg with a victory.
A loss here could completely derail their campaign, with the upcoming legs in Lucknow and Mumbai posing new challenges. The Lucknow pitches are expected to be slow, favouring spin, which might not suit RCB’s batting-heavy, chase-preferred approach.
Smriti Mandhana’s tough run as captain and batter
For Smriti Mandhana, this leg has been forgettable both as a captain and batter. After scoring 90 runs in two matches in Vadodara, she has managed only 42 runs in three matches in Bengaluru. Her tactical decisions in crunch moments have also been questioned.
Choosing Kanika Ahuja due to limited options and Renuka Singh over Ellyse Perry backfired in the death overs. In the Super Over vs UP Warriorz, needing just nine runs, her decision to come out to bat proved costly. Against the Gujarat Giants (GG), RCB was completely outplayed in all three departments.
Mandhana now has a chance to redeem herself as a leader and batter to inspire a turnaround before heading into the Lucknow leg.
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DC: The in-form team to beat
DC enters this game in top form, leading the table with eight points from six matches (four wins, two losses). Just yesterday, they completed a double over the Mumbai Indians (MI), strengthening their playoff position. Their fast bowlers have utilised Bengaluru conditions brilliantly, extracting bounce and swing.
Meg Lanning’s resurgence with the bat is a big boost. However, DC will be wary of RCB’s challenge. While RCB won the reverse fixture, DC holds a 4-2 head-to-head advantage in WPL history. Last season, at this same venue, Marizanne Kapp’s all-round brilliance led DC to a 25-run win over RCB.
Tough schedule and fatigue concerns
One major concern for DC is fatigue. Having played a crucial match against MI just 24 hours ago, they now have to gear up for another high-intensity clash. This raises questions about scheduling, as such short turnarounds make it difficult for players to recover and perform at their best.
Notably, MI also face back-to-back matches on March 10 and 11, and DC is the only team without any home advantage, as no matches are being played in Delhi this season. A more balanced schedule should be considered for future editions, as it seems to be a bit harsh on the players.
Despite the scheduling disadvantage, DC will aim to continue their winning momentum and all but seal a playoff spot. Meanwhile, RCB needs a win to keep their campaign alive and break their losing streak at home.
Can DC overcome fatigue and strengthen their position? Or will RCB finally deliver in front of their home fans? The answers will unfold later today at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Also Read: All-round performance by Delhi Capitals blazes away Mumbai Indians
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