Introduction: A Captain’s Cry and a Fanbase’s Dream
The roar from the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on February 5, 2026, was deafening. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) had just pulled off a stunning six-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals to clinch their second WPL title. In the euphoria, captain Smriti Mandhana, tears of joy streaming down her face, declared to the crowd, “Ee sala cup namdu 2! Three titles in three years!” [[16]]
It was a powerful, emotional moment that resonated with every RCB fan who’s ever longed for silverware. But for the keen-eyed cricket statisticians, it sparked an immediate question: is that actually true? This article dives deep into RCB’s remarkable journey, unpacks Mandhana’s statement, and analyzes the incredible performances that secured their latest RCB WPL titles.
Table of Contents
- The Facts Behind the “3 Titles in 3 Years” Claim
- WPL 2026 Final: A Masterclass in Pressure Cricket
- Georgia Voll & Smriti Mandhana: The Dream Chase
- Lauren Bell’s Unsung Heroics
- What This Win Means for RCB’s Legacy
- Conclusion
- Sources
The Facts Behind the “3 Titles in 3 Years” Claim
Mandhana’s passionate declaration was a testament to her team’s unwavering belief and consistency. However, the official WPL winners list paints a slightly different picture:
- WPL 2023: Mumbai Indians
- WPL 2024: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- WPL 2025: Mumbai Indians
- WPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru [[29]]
So, while RCB has indeed been the most consistent team—reaching the final in all four seasons and winning twice—the claim of “three titles in three years” isn’t factually accurate. It’s far more likely an expression of the team’s dominant mindset and their feeling of having owned the league through their relentless performances, even in their runner-up 2025 campaign [[28]]. This perceived “dynasty” is built on a foundation of being perennial contenders, a status no other WPL team can currently match.
WPL 2026 Final: A Masterclass in Pressure Cricket
Facing a formidable Delhi Capitals side for the third time in a WPL final, RCB knew they were in for a battle. Delhi posted a massive 203/4 in their 20 overs, powered by Jemimah Rodrigues’ 57 [[8]]. Chasing over 200 in a final is a monumental task, but RCB’s batting lineup, under Mandhana’s fearless leadership, made it look routine.
Their successful chase of 204/4 in just 19.4 overs wasn’t just a win; it was a statement of intent and a showcase of elite T20 batting under extreme pressure [[1]]. This victory cements their place as the team to beat in the WPL and adds another glorious chapter to their growing legacy.
Georgia Voll & Smriti Mandhana: The Dream Chase
The backbone of RCB’s historic chase was the sensational opening partnership between captain Smriti Mandhana and Australian star Georgia Voll.
Smriti Mandhana played the innings of her life, a blistering 87 off just 41 balls. Her knock was a perfect blend of power and precision, setting the tone from the very first over [[33]].
At the other end, Georgia Voll provided the perfect foil with a magnificent 79 off 54 deliveries, laced with 14 boundaries. Her strike rate of 146.29 ensured the required run rate never became a burden [[31]]. Together, they put on a show that will be remembered as one of the greatest partnerships in WPL history, completely dismantling the Delhi Capitals bowling attack.
Lauren Bell’s Unsung Heroics
While the batters grabbed the headlines, England pacer Lauren Bell played a crucial role in restricting Delhi Capitals to a gettable total. In a high-scoring game, her figures of 1/21 in her 4 overs were nothing short of exceptional [[39]].
Her ability to bowl tight lines and pick up a key wicket during the middle overs prevented Delhi from running away with an even bigger score. Mandhana herself credited Bell’s spell as “match-winning,” highlighting the all-round strength of the RCB squad [[11]]. Bell’s economy rate of 5.25 in such a pressure situation was a masterclass in disciplined death bowling.
What This Win Means for RCB’s Legacy
This second RCB WPL title is more than just another trophy. It solidifies their reputation as the WPL’s first true powerhouse. They are the only team to have won the league twice and have appeared in every single final—a record of unmatched consistency [[30]].
For a fanbase that has often faced heartbreak with the men’s IPL team, the women’s RCB side has become a beacon of success and resilience. Their brand of fearless, attacking cricket, led by a world-class captain in Mandhana, has captured the imagination of fans across the country. This win isn’t just about 2026; it’s about building a sustainable legacy and a culture of winning that will attract top talent for years to come [INTERNAL_LINK:wpl-team-analysis].
Conclusion
Whether you interpret Mandhana’s “three titles in three years” as a factual error or a poetic expression of her team’s dominance, one thing is undeniable: Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the defining force of the Women’s Premier League. Their victory in the WPL 2026 final, built on stellar performances from Mandhana, Voll, and Bell, is a testament to their skill, composure, and champion mentality. The RCB dynasty in the WPL is well and truly alive.
Sources
- [[1]] Crictoday: RCB vs DC WPL 2026 Full Scorecard
- [[8]] Olympics.com: WPL 2026 Final Report
- [[11]] RevSportz: Mandhana lauds Bell’s ‘match-winning’ spell
- [[16]] Facebook: Smriti Mandhana’s emotional reaction
- [[28]] Wikipedia: 2025 Women’s Premier League
- [[29]] Olympics.com: WPL Winners List
- [[30]] NDTV Sports: RCB Create History
- [[31]] NewsBytes: Georgia Voll slams match-winning 79
- [[33]] Ground News: RCB vs DC Highlights
- [[39]] Royal Challengers Official Website: Lauren Bell interview