'Will You Tell Virat Kohli & Co How to Win a Trophy?': Smriti Mandhana's Smart Dodges 'Controversial Question' After WPL Win | WATCH – News18

Smriti Mandhana’s Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Sunday scripted history with an 8-wicket over Delhi Capitals to be crowned as the new Women’s Premier League (WPL) champions. The victory ended Bangalore’s 16-year-old trophy draught as the women’s fulfilled the dream of a title triumph.

Delhi made a direct entry into the finals as the best team in the league but they faltered at the final frontier. Mandhana & Co. produced a remarkable all-round show, putting DC on the mat right after the first Powerplay of the game. The Meg Lanning-led side was folded for a paltry 113 and in reply, RCB won the game with 8 wickets and 3 balls to spare.

Also Read: How Smriti Mandhana, RCB Scripted History in WPL 2024

After lifting the trophy, Mandhana got involved in a conversation with commentator Aakash Chopra who asked her if she was going to give a pep talk to the men’s team just like Virat Kohli did last year before the commencement of the inaugural season.

After finding herself in a tricky spot, the RCB women’s team captain took a safe escape route as she lauded Kohli’s achievements and hoped for the men’s team’s maiden IPL win this year.

“Virat Kohli has achieved a lot. He’s a legend of the game. He has won a World Cup and a Champions Trophy. I feel franchise cricket is a lot more about luck. Hope this cup (the WPL Trophy) has started the luck for RCB. You never know,” said Mandhana in reply to Chopra’s question on Jio Cinema.

Kohli’s morale-boosting words in 2023

Ahead of the WPL 2023, Kohli delivered a motivational speech to boost the morale of the Smriti Mandhana-led side.

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“If there is a one percent chance, and sometimes that chance is good enough. But what matters is what you guys think about that one percent. Are you willing to give absolutely everything that you have to make that one into ten, then grow that ten into thirty and eventually, something magical might come out of it,” Kohli had said.

The men’s team had been close to winning the trophy thrice in the past – in 2009, 2011 and 2016 but only to be on the losing side. Since Mandhana ended the draught in Kohli’s home town, the men’s team would take inspiration and bring the cup home.