WPL 2025: Watch - Virat Kohli sends bold message to Smriti Mandhana’s RCB
Published - 14 Feb 2025, 06:20 PM | Updated - 14 Feb 2025, 06:21 PM
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Virat Kohli has extended his best wishes to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) women's team as they prepare to defend their title in the third edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL). The WPL 2025 is set to kick off on Friday, February 14, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) facing Gujarat Giants in the opening match in Vadodara.
Ahead of the WPL 2025 opener on Friday, Virat Kohli expressed his excitement and recalled the RCB Women’s incredible title glory last season. The former RCB men’s team captain also hopes that the girls will be able to carry forward their winning momentum into the upcoming season.
Virat Kohli shares encouraging message to RCB Women ahead of the WPL 2025
Virat Kohli said in a video posted by RCB on Instagram, “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 just hope that you can continue to ride that momentum and take that confidence into this tournament as well.”
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With the RCB Women already winning the WPL title, Kohli said that Smriti Mandhana and her team can now play freely and enjoy the massive support from the fans in the upcoming WPL. Notably, Kohli himself is currently gearing up for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The former Indian captain further noted, “There’s no shortage of talent, and we’ve seen that last year as well, and I’m sure that with the load off your back already of winning the title, you will go out there and express yourself and enjoy the support you get from fans all over India. So, I wish you all the best for the upcoming season.”
Watch Virat Kohli's message here:
View this post on Instagram
Meanwhile, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru have found themselves in a tough situation ahead of the Women's Premier League 2025, with multiple injury concerns shaking up their squad. They will have to make key adjustments to defend their title as many big players are not available this season.
RCB Women face injury crisis ahead of WPL 2025 title defense
Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux has been ruled out due to injury, while England pacer Kate Cross has withdrawn from this WPL season to focus on her recovery. Adding to RCB’s woes, Ellyse Perry suffered a hip injury during the Ashes, so her availability is also uncertain despite joining the team.
Read Also: GG vs RCB Head-to-Head Records - Match 1, WPL 2025
On the other hand, Indian spinner Asha Sobhana has been ruled out of the WPL 2025, and there is not yet any clarity on Shreyanka Patil’s fitness. However, RCB has roped in Heather Graham and Kim Garth as replacements, and they would be hoping to cover the crucial gaps.
Australian all-rounder Heather Graham has so far played five T20Is and scalped eight wickets. On the other hand, Kim Garth brings significant experience with 59 T20Is, 56 ODIs, and four Tests under her belt. She was earlier part of the Gujarat Giants in the WPL.
Well, the skipper Smriti Mandhana has shown her full confidence in the current roster despite the injury woes and their impact on the franchise, as she still believes that they can retain the title.
