Team India all-rounder attracted the limelight on Saturday, 25th of January, during the Women’s Premier League match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women and Delhi Capitals Women at the Baroda Cricket Association stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara. Delhi Capitals won the toss and chose to field first. Royal Challengers Bengaluru were bowled out for 110, while Delhi Capitals chased the target with ease in 15.4 overs, winning by 7 wickets. Delhi Capitals dominated the match, halting RCB's winning run. The win might act as a morale booster for the Delhi Capitals.
Amidst this, the presence of India all-rounder Krunal Pandya stole the show as the 34-year-old was present during the match and supported the Bengaluru franchise. Krunal Pandya enjoyed the enriching experience and was overjoyed to see an electric atmosphere in the stadium.
Pandya said fans have lent their support to RCB wherever the team travels to different venues. RCB has a large fan base thanks to some of the legendary performers in the team. Like the men’s team, there is a large fanbase for RCB women. Apart from celebrating with the RCB supporters, Pandya highlighted RCB’s performance as the team won 6 back-to-back games this season and hoped to continue with the winning run.
Pandya said that just like the RCB men’s team, the RCB women’s team also possesses different players who have performed well in different situations. RCB women have showcased tremendous consistency so far this season. Just like Pandya, many other male cricketers have attended women’s matches that highlight the increasing popularity of women’s cricket. Many male cricketers have supported women’s cricket and attended women’s games, which has increased the fan base and popularity of women’s cricket.
Despite this loss, RCB possess a lot of depth in all departments, and the team’s performance so far showcases their strengths and their ability to win from difficult situations. It will be interesting to see how RCB women approach the next few games, as they have showcased a resolute approach in demanding situations.
RCB would like to make a winning return in their next match and would hope to see their best players perform to their expectations. RCB women have some big match winners and would hope their team to make a strong comeback so as to make a big statement ahead of the playoffs.
On the other hand, this win can provide a big boost to the Delhi Capitals Women. Currently, they are in the 2nd position in the points table with 6 points, but need to be consistent in the next games to qualify for the playoffs.
We hope to see players like Krunal Pandya and other male cricketers attend women’s matches, which can take the popularity of women’s cricket as well as the WPL to the next level. Women’s cricket has changed a lot in the last few years, and the active participation of male cricketers in attending women’s matches will give a boost to women's cricket.
