The Royal Challengers Banglore had a topsy-turvy campaign leading up to the playoffs. Even though it was a considerable improvement from their discombobulating season last year where they failed to qualify and looked to be a messy squad, they didn’t get over the line on matches where they should have. But they looked considerably well-oiled and the players knew and executed their roles perfectly to secure that playoff spot. With the strong and consistent Delhi and the powerful Mumbai Indians in their way, the title seemed out of reach. But Mandhana and co have subverted expectations and stood up to the challenge when it mattered the most. And now they’re proud owners of the solitary league cup of the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
They had started off the tournament well, securing wins and sparing the opening match, winning formidably. They seemed to have proven match-winners, similar to the men’s team, that could carry the team to victories, but they also possessed team players who would step up when given the opportunity and shine through. This didn’t always happen though. And the journey was far from easy. Recently, the Richa Ghosh heartbreak has come to mind. So tantalizingly close, yet so far. They were getting close to the finish line but were unable to cross it. But most times, they let themselves be bulldozed over when they did lose, losing by quite large margins, but even then not disheartening losses. But, they lost both their matches against the best team of the league stage, Delhi, and lost to the other playoff qualifier Mumbai. As they stared down another Mumbai game that would decide their fate as a playoff team or not, things weren’t looking peachy for the Challengers.
But then came the crucial three games that stood in front of RCB if they wanted to get that trophy in their hands. And in the boiling pressure of expectations, RCB thrived like never before. Their bowling prowess was on full display in both the matches against Mumbai. The final league match win was a cakewalk where RCB chased down the target in 15 overs after bundling the Mumbai Indians for a paltry 113. And they were into the eliminator against the same opposition and posted a modest total of 135, before unleashing their bowling onto a horrified Mumbai once again, as they were restricted to a nervous 130 as RCB sealed their birth into the final. Mumbai’s well-structured tournament had been brought to shambles by a frenzied and unpredictable RCB. But lying in front of them was the ultimate challenge- the final against the Delhi Capitals at their home venue.
The cards seemed stacked against them on all counts. RCB had never beaten the Delhi Capitals in the league, ever. Adding to the scary track record they had to go against was the gun-like team sheet that would have most teams quacking in their boots. Shafali, Lanning, Rodrigues, and Marizanne Kapp, were all proven performers who had delivered time and again for Delhi, and they weren’t going to go down without a fight. Or were they?
RCB was absolutely game to the challenge, and if there’s one thing they’ve done exceptionally, it is to never give up. Delhi were looking commanding at 64-0 in 7 overs, but a relentless RCB broke down arguably the most stable batting order in the league, and they were reduced to 87-7 with their bowling once again being the key. Batting may win you matches, but bowling wins you tournaments. And that’s a perfect description of RCB’s journey. But take nothing away from their batting, which has improved from last year. But the bowling department looked like a completely different unit from last year, and it has made a worldly difference. As RCB lifted a trophy that they seemed to have snatched from the jaws of Delhi, their win is a testament to cricket’s age-old wisdom- whatever the track record, it’s about the performance when it matters the most. Congratulations to a mighty RCB team!
