Even from thousands of miles away, loyalty runs deep. In a heartwarming display of team spirit, Australian cricket legend Elysse Perry—who won’t be featuring in the upcoming WPL 2026 season—has sent a special video message to her former franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), wishing them strength, success, and all the luck in the world.
The 2024 WPL champions shared the clip on their official Instagram handle with a caption that read: “A familiar voice wishing strength and support. Perry sends her love and luck to the squad for the WPL 2026 season ahead.” And in it, Perry didn’t just offer generic well-wishes—she delivered a personal, emotional tribute to the team and its fans, calling them nothing short of extraordinary.
In the short but impactful video, Perry—smiling warmly—addresses the RCB squad directly. “You’ve got the best fans,” she says with genuine admiration. “They’re loud, they’re passionate, and they never stop believing in you.”
She goes on to express her pride in having been part of the RCB family and urges the current players to “play with joy, play with courage, and make those fans proud.” The message, though simple, carries immense weight coming from one of the most respected figures in women’s cricket—a player known for her humility, leadership, and unwavering sportsmanship .
Perry’s non-participation in WPL 2026 marks a significant shift. After being a cornerstone of RCB’s 2024 championship-winning campaign—where her all-round brilliance often turned matches in their favor—her absence leaves a void both on and off the field.
While reasons for her unavailability haven’t been officially confirmed, speculation points to scheduling conflicts with Australia’s national commitments or a planned break to manage workload. Regardless, her decision to publicly back the team despite not playing shows her deep emotional investment in RCB’s journey.
As the defending champions, RCB enters WPL 2026 under immense pressure—but also with sky-high expectations. Led by India’s batting star Smriti Mandhana, the squad boasts a mix of youth and experience, including rising talents like Shreyanka Patil and seasoned campaigners like Sophie Devine.
Key challenges they’ll face include:
Perry’s message may seem symbolic, but in high-stakes tournaments, morale can be just as crucial as skill. Her words could serve as a powerful psychological boost during tight moments.
Perry’s specific praise for RCB’s fans isn’t just flattery—it’s a recognition of a cultural shift in Indian cricket. The WPL has transformed women’s cricket from a niche interest into a mainstream spectacle, with stadiums packed and social media buzzing.
RCB’s fanbase, famously dubbed the “RCB Army,” has shown up in full force—wearing red, chanting slogans, and trending hashtags after every match. This level of engagement is unprecedented in women’s domestic T20 leagues globally and has drawn comparisons to the men’s IPL .
According to the BCCI, WPL 2025 saw a 40% increase in average attendance over 2024, with RCB matches consistently selling out . Perry knows this energy firsthand—and her acknowledgment validates what fans already feel: they’re not just spectators; they’re part of the team.
Beyond stats, Perry brought something intangible to RCB: calm under pressure, mentorship to younger players, and a winning culture. Her influence extended beyond the boundary ropes—she was often seen guiding batters in the dugout or consoling bowlers after tough overs.
Globally, Perry remains a standard-bearer for women’s cricket. With over 10,000 international runs and 150+ wickets across formats, she’s one of only three players in history to achieve this double . Her endorsement of RCB isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a stamp of credibility that elevates the entire franchise.
Elysse Perry’s emotional message to RCB ahead of WPL 2026 is more than a farewell—it’s a passing of the torch. By highlighting the fans and urging the team to “play with joy,” she’s reminding everyone that cricket, at its core, is about passion, community, and belief. Even from the sidelines, her presence will be felt. As RCB gears up for their title defense, they do so with the blessing of a legend—and the roar of the best fans in the game. For more on RCB’s strategy, check out [INTERNAL_LINK:rcb-wpl-2026-squad-analysis].
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