Introduction
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 season has been a rollercoaster ride, and no team has felt the heat more than Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). After a promising start with two consecutive wins, RCB’s campaign has spiraled into chaos, suffering four consecutive defeats that have pushed them to second-bottom in the standings.
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals (DC) have stormed their way into the playoffs, securing the top spot and continuing their dominant run. With RCB’s playoff hopes hanging by a thread, this article explores the five key reasons behind their downfall and what they must do to stay in the competition.
1. Middle-Order Batting Collapse: RCB’s Achilles’ Heel
One of the biggest reasons for RCB’s struggles in WPL 2025 has been their inconsistent middle order.
- Dependence on Smriti Mandhana & Sophie Devine: While Mandhana has provided good starts, her dismissal often triggers collapses.
- Lack of a Reliable No. 4 & No. 5: RCB has struggled to build partnerships, leading to frequent batting collapses.
- Failure to Accelerate in the Death Overs: Unlike Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, RCB’s lower middle order has failed to capitalize on strong starts.
Key Stat: In their last four matches, RCB’s middle-order has averaged less than 20 runs per batter, making it one of the weakest in WPL 2025.
2. Bowling Woes: Lack of Match-Winning Performances
RCB’s bowling attack has lacked the cutting edge needed to defend totals or restrict opposition batters.
- Weak Death Bowling: In three of their four losses, Royal Challengers Bengaluru conceded over 40 runs in the last five overs.
- Lack of Spin Support for Sophie Molineux: While Molineux has been economical, Royal Challengers Bengaluru lacks a second quality spinner to build pressure.
- Ineffective Powerplay Bowling: Early wickets have been hard to come by, allowing teams to build solid foundations.
Key Stat: Royal Challengers Bengaluru bowlers have picked up only 5 wickets in the Powerplay across four matches, the fewest among all WPL teams.
3. Tactical Mistakes & Poor Team Selection
RCB’s team selection and strategy have also been questionable, contributing to their poor run of form.
- Unsettled Playing XI: Frequent changes in the lineup have prevented players from settling into their roles.
- Failure to Rotate Strike in the Middle Overs: Unlike DC, whose batters consistently rotate strike, RCB has often struggled to keep the scoreboard ticking.
- Underutilization of Key Players: All-rounders like Ellyse Perry have not been given enough responsibility with the ball.
Key Match Example: Against Delhi Capitals, RCB scored 147/5 in 20 overs, but failed to defend the total, with DC chasing it down in 15.3 overs.
4. Delhi Capitals’ Dominance: A Stark Contrast
While RCB has crumbled under pressure, Delhi Capitals have shown composure and class.
- Shafali Verma’s Explosive Form: She has been a key factor in DC’s dominant chases.
- Jess Jonassen’s All-Round Brilliance: Her ability to perform with both bat and ball has made a significant impact.
- Balanced Squad Depth: DC has rotated their squad efficiently, ensuring rest and recovery for key players.
Current WPL Standings:
| Rank | Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | NRR | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delhi Capitals Women | 7 | 5 | 2 | +0.482 | 10 |
| 2 | Mumbai Indians Women | 5 | 3 | 2 | +0.166 | 6 |
| 3 | UP Warriorz | 5 | 2 | 3 | -0.124 | 4 |
| 4 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women | 6 | 2 | 4 | -0.244 | 4 |
| 5 | Gujarat Giants | 5 | 2 | 3 | -0.450 | 4 |
5. Can RCB Still Qualify for the Playoffs?
Despite four straight losses, RCB is not out of the playoff race yet. However, they face a do-or-die situation in their remaining matches.
Qualification Scenario:
- Must Win Both Remaining Matches: RCB must defeat UP Warriorz & Mumbai Indians convincingly to improve their NRR.
- Other Results Must Favor Them: If Mumbai Indians lose at least one more game, RCB’s chances increase significantly.
- Improved Batting Approach: Smriti Mandhana & Ellyse Perry must anchor innings better to avoid batting collapses.
Upcoming Fixtures:
- RCB vs. UP Warriorz – March 8, 2025
- RCB vs. Mumbai Indians – March 11, 2025
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Conclusion
RCB’s WPL 2025 season has been a tale of two halves—from a perfect start to a dramatic collapse. While their middle-order struggles, bowling inconsistencies, and tactical errors have cost them dearly, they still have a mathematical chance of making the playoffs.
With two crucial games left, RCB must find form quickly if they hope to rescue their season and avoid an embarrassing early exit. Whether they can pull off a comeback or suffer a shock elimination remains to be seen.
Can RCB turn things around, or is this the end of their WPL 2025 journey? Fans will be watching closely as the league reaches its climax.
