WPL 2025: 3 Batters Who Can Take RCB To Their Second Title Win

Probuddha Bhattacharjee∙ Updated: Feb 4 2025, 8:10 PM

Ellyse Perry and Smriti Mandhana [Source: @WomensCricZone/x.com]Ellyse Perry and Smriti Mandhana [Source: @WomensCricZone/x.com]

The third edition of the Women's Premier League is only about 10 days away. Some of the best talents in women's cricket will be taking the field against each other to win the coveted trophy. 

Led by Smriti Mandhana, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be walking into the tournament as the defending champions. The team will be looking to put their best show on the field and come up with a solid performance to win their second consecutive title.

As RCB gear up for the tournament, we will take a look at three batters who could be x-factors for the team during the tournament.

3. Richa Ghosh

Richa Ghosh for RCB [Source: @WomensCricZone/x.com]Richa Ghosh for RCB [Source: @WomensCricZone/x.com]

The Indian wicketkeeper batter is known for her hitting prowess. Richa Ghosh can change the complexion of a game with her big hitting while coming to bat in the lower middle order. She can also greatly benefit the team by acting as a pinch hitter while coming at the top.

Ghosh has a strike rate of 139.57 in WPL, scoring 395 runs from 18 games. The strike rate of nearly 140 is above average when women's cricket is considered. So, given the rate at which she can score runs, Richa Ghosh will be a crucial member of the RCB batting line-up during WPL 2025. 

2. Smrti Mandhana

Smriti Mandhana for RCB [Source: @cricbuzz/x.com]Smriti Mandhana for RCB [Source: @cricbuzz/x.com]

The Indian superstar is known for her stable yet dynamic at the top order. Smriti Mandhana can often lay the foundation for her team with her solid and gracious batting technique. The WPL-winning skipper has scored 449 runs in the tournament in 18 games at an average of 24.94 and a strike rate of 125.41. 

The numbers might seem a bit low when we see her lofty standards in the international arena. However, Mandhana, with her leadership abilities and ability to score runs consistently, will be a crucial part of the RCB set-up in the tournament. 

1. Ellyse Perry

Ellyse Perry For RCB [Source: @cricshyr/x.com]Ellyse Perry For RCB [Source: @cricshyr/x.com]

The Australian legend's talent knows no bounds. Ellyse Perry has the rare feat of playing in both football and cricket World Cups for Australia. However, even if Perry's achievements on the cricketing field are concerned, it is unmatchable. 

In WPL, Perry has played 600 runs in 17 matches at an average of 54.54 with a strike rate of 124.74. The numbers show the consistency she has shown in the tournament. Perry was one of the key cogs for RCB during their title-winning run in WPL 2024 and will once again be one of the fulcrums in their title defence attempt.