Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) booked their place in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) knockouts in emphatic fashion and ensured the celebrations continued well beyond the boundary ropes, thanks to a cheeky social media response aimed at Gujarat Giants. Following a commanding 61-run win at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, RCB’s digital team delivered a playful yet pointed comeback that quickly went viral.
Asked to bat first, RCB found themselves in early trouble as Grace Harris and Georgia Voll departed inside the first two overs, leaving the side reeling at 9 for 2. At that crucial juncture, Gautami Naik stepped up with a calm and composed innings, showcasing maturity beyond her years. Partnering captain Smriti Mandhana, Naik helped steady the innings with a vital 60-run stand for the third wicket.
Smriti Mandhana, however, once again fell victim to Ashleigh Gardner, dismissed leg-before for 26 in a familiar contest between the two star players. Sensing an opportunity, Gujarat Giants’ social media team posted an image of Gardner and Mandhana styled as chess queens, captioned, “Only one Queen in Qila Kotambi,” subtly celebrating Gardner’s dominance. On the field, though, RCB had other plans.
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Naik continued to anchor the innings and found an aggressive partner in Richa Ghosh. The duo added a brisk 69 runs, shifting momentum firmly in RCB’s favour. Naik’s well-crafted 73 off 55 balls laid the foundation, while a late cameo from Radha Yadav ensured RCB posted a competitive 178 for 6.
Only one team with 𝐐 next to the name tonight! 🫳🎤 pic.twitter.com/OPCku8hM60
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) January 19, 2026
Just Queens with an extra Q! 👑#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #WPL2026 pic.twitter.com/pWG8Oe8zCs
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) January 20, 2026
Gujarat’s chase never really took off. Early breakthroughs saw them reduced to four wickets down inside seven overs, leaving too much for the middle order to repair. Gardner fought hard with a valiant 54, but without support, Gujarat limped to 117 for 8.
RCB wasted no time responding online. They posted a picture of Mandhana holding a chess queen, captioned, “Only one team with Q next to the name tonight!” — a clever nod that fans instantly embraced.
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Reflecting on RCB’s sixth straight WPL win across two seasons, Mandhana stressed consistency and process over hype. She credited the team’s focus on small details, disciplined preparation, and a positive environment fostered by the support staff — elements that continue to drive RCB’s success both on and off the field.
