A day after their title-winning performance, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) released a motivational video message from Virat Kohli that played a crucial role in boosting the team’s morale ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 final against Delhi Capitals. The Bengaluru-based franchise went on to chase down a record 204-run target, securing their second WPL crown in emphatic fashion.
The video, shared by RCB on Friday, showed Kohli addressing the women’s squad on the eve of the final, urging them to embrace the magnitude of the occasion and focus on the finer details that often decide high-pressure matches.
“Big Finals Are Why We Play Sport”: Kohli
Dismissing the idea of treating the final like any other match, Kohli encouraged the players to enjoy the moment and rise to the occasion.
“I wouldn’t call it just another day or just another game, because that’s what we play sport for: the big finals, the big occasions, winning trophies,” Kohli said.
The former India captain congratulated the team for once again reaching the final and finishing top of the league table, praising their consistency and composure throughout the tournament.
“I’ve been watching you guys play this season, and it’s been amazing to see the high-pressure games that we’ve won. It’s no surprise to me that we were the first ones to make it to the finals, finishing top of the table,” he added.
Learning From Setbacks Is Key to Champions
Reflecting on RCB’s campaign, Kohli highlighted the importance of learning from difficult phases during the league stage, calling it a defining trait of championship-winning teams.
“There were a couple of games in the middle where it was good to reflect on what the team could work on moving ahead. And that’s exactly what you guys did in the last few games,” he said.
“Small Moments Decide Big Matches”
Kohli stressed the importance of intensity, commitment, and going the extra mile in crunch moments — a message that resonated strongly with the players.
“Small things make all the difference at the very end. If you have a chance to put your body on the line for that ball, do it. If you have a chance to dive into the crease for that one run, do it. That’s what’s going to count at the end of the day,” Kohli told the squad.
He concluded his message with words of encouragement and pride.
“You can walk away from that field with your head held high. That’s all that I wish for you. Go RCB.”
RCB Women Deliver on the Big Stage
Inspired by Kohli’s words, RCB Women produced a calm and dominant performance in the final, defeating Delhi Capitals by six wickets at the BCA Stadium (Kotambi) on Thursday to lift the WPL 2026 trophy — a landmark achievement for the franchise.
Kohli Congratulates Team and Smriti Mandhana
Following the victory, Kohli also took to Instagram to congratulate the team, praising their effort and the leadership of captain Smriti Mandhana.
“Champions again. Keeping the RCB flag flying high is something that each one of you can be proud of. To Smriti @smriti_mandhana and the whole squad and the management team, a big congratulations on this tremendous victory. You guys deserve this undoubtedly. Enjoy the moment and embrace the love of our amazing fans,” Kohli wrote.