The stage is set and the evening of Valentines Day 2025 will see the women take charge as the Women's Premier League (WPL) is set to begin on February 14 with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on Gujarat Giants (GG) at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. As RCB Women gear up for the tournament and expect to take off where they left last season - as champions - they received a special visit from Indian cricket star Virat Kohli.
In a video shared by RCB on their social media platforms, Kohli was seen offering words of encouragement to captain Smriti Mandhana and her team. RCB on X (formerly known as Twitter) wrote, "WATCH: Virat Kohli's special wish for our wonder women ahead of our first #WPL game today!"
"I would like to wish the women's team all the very best for the upcoming WPL season. It's amazing what you did last year, and I hope that you can continue to ride that momentum and take that confidence into this tournament as well. There is no shortage of talent, as we have seen last year as well," Kohli said.?
"I am sure that with the load on your back of winning the title, you will go out there and express yourselves and enjoy the support that you get from the fans all over India. So, I wish you all the very best for the upcoming season," he added.
In the 2024 season, RCB Women delivered what all RCB fans have been waiting for - a trophy in their cabinet. They broke the franchise's long-standing title drought by clinching the trophy with a victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) in the final. Now, beginning their title defense, they will face Gujarat Giants (GG) in the season opener. After facing Gujarat Giants, the defending champions will square off against Delhi Capitals in their second match of the season on February 17.?
Royal Challengers?Bengaluru (RCB)?2025 Women's squad: Nuzhat Parween, Joshitha Vj, Richa Ghosh, Danni Wyatt, Kanika Ahuja, Sabbineni Meghana, Ekta Bisht, Kim Garth, Shreyanka Patil, Ellyse Perry, Prema Rawat, Smriti Mandhana, Georgia Wareham, Raghvi Bist, Heather Graham, Jagravi Pawar, Renuka Singh, Charlie Dean.?
RCB WPL 2025 support staff: Luke Williams (head coach), Malolan Rangarajan (assistant head coach & head of scouting), RX Murali (batting coach), VR Vanitha (fielding coach & scout).
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