RCB Coach Reveals Smriti Mandhana's Illness During WPL Final Triumph
Royal Challengers Bengaluru head coach Malolan Rangarajan has made a startling revelation about captain Smriti Mandhana's physical condition during the Women's Premier League final. Rangarajan disclosed that Mandhana battled a severe case of flu accompanied by high fever while delivering a spectacular match-winning performance that secured RCB's second WPL championship title on Thursday.
Mandhana's Heroic Innings Under Physical Duress
Despite her illness, Mandhana produced a breathtaking 41-ball 87 runs that propelled Bengaluru to a record-breaking chase of 204 runs against Delhi Capitals. This remarkable achievement sealed one of the most dramatic victories in WPL history and established the highest successful chase in both WPL and IPL finals history.
Speaking after the championship match, Rangarajan expressed awe at Mandhana's performance, describing it as one of the finest innings he has ever witnessed. "Smriti, I think, saved one of her best innings for the final. The way she batted today was inhuman — so classy, so elegant. It didn't even look like a 200 chase the way she was timing the ball," he remarked, emphasizing how the skipper masterfully controlled the tempo of the chase.
The Extent of Mandhana's Illness Revealed
The coach provided specific details about Mandhana's health struggles, calling her effort a powerful testament to her leadership qualities. "Smriti played this game with a massive, massive flu. She was seriously unwell with a high fever, but she turned up and didn't even show it. When I spoke to her, she just said, 'No problem, I'll be there.' That's the person she is," Rangarajan explained.
This disclosure adds another layer of admiration for Mandhana's performance, highlighting her extraordinary determination and commitment to her team despite significant physical discomfort.
Historic Chase Against Daunting Target
In the summit clash, Delhi Capitals had established a formidable total of 203/4, powered by Jemimah Rodrigues' 57 runs and a late explosive performance from Chinelle Henry. However, Mandhana, partnering with Georgia Voll, constructed a decisive 165-run partnership that systematically dismantled DC's hopes.
Voll contributed significantly with 79 runs, while late-game contributions from Radha Yadav and Nadine de Klerk ensured RCB crossed the finish line with two balls remaining. This victory marked the first time a target exceeding 175 runs has been successfully chased in any women's T20 final, setting a new benchmark in women's cricket.
Mandhana's Relentless Pursuit of Excellence
Rangarajan credited Mandhana's continuous dedication to improvement as fundamental to her success, describing her as a "nerd" about batting technique and performance. "She's always looking to get better at her skill. That's why she has achieved what she has," the coach noted, highlighting her professional approach to the sport.
The combination of Mandhana's technical skill, strategic leadership, and remarkable physical resilience under challenging circumstances created a championship-winning performance that will be remembered as one of the most inspirational moments in women's cricket history.
