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Virat Kohli wished RCB women’s team, led by Smriti Mandhana, luck for their WPL title defense in 2025. He also supported Rajat Patidar, the new captain of RCB men’s team, ahead of IPL 2025.
RCB are the defending WPL champions. (BCCI Photo)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Virat Kohli wished the women’s side, led by Smriti Mandhana a lot of luck and ‘momentum’ in their title defense of the Women’s Premier League in the upcoming 2025 season. He hoped that the ‘load’ of winning the title coming off the team’s back would give them ‘momentum’ and confidence to ‘express’ themselves, right from the first game against Gujarat Giants (GG) on Friday.
The RCB-GG match will open the WPL season. RCB, led by Smriti Mandhana, ended the franchise’s 15-year-old drought for any titles by defeating Delhi Capitals in the final last year. Now, they would aim to become the first side to defend a WPL title.
“I would like to wish the women’s team all the very best for the upcoming WPL season,” Kohli said in a video released by the RCB on Friday. “It’s amazing what you did last year and I just hope that you continue to ride that momentum and take that confidence into this tournament as well. There’s no shortage of talent as we had seen last year as well. I’m sure that with the load off your back already of winning the title, you will go out there and express yourselves and enjoy the support you get from fans all over India. I wish you all the very best for the upcoming season,” he added.
Defending the title won’t be easy as not only are RCB short with a couple of injuries to key players, like spinner Asha Sobhana, but other sides have improved immensely via the WPL auction.
Kohli’s wishes to Patidar
Meanwhile, the men’s team has gone through a big shake-up, with Madhya Pradesh’s Rajat Patidar taking over the captaincy ahead of IPL 2025. On Thursday, Kohli had sent his best wishes to the new skipper too.
“The way you have grown in the franchise and the way you have performed, you have really made a place in the hearts of all the fans of RCB, all over India. They get excited to watch you play. So, this is very well deserved. Myself and the other team members will be right behind you, and you’ll have all our support,” Kohli said in a video posted by the franchise.
“To grow into this role, of course, is a big responsibility. I have done this for many years, and Faf has done it for the last few years. To be seen as the guy who will take this franchise forward, I am sure this is a great honour for you. You’ve earned the right to be in this position, and I am sure you will grow from strength to strength,” he added.
The IPL is expected to start on March 22.
