The Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s 18-year wait for an IPL title remains one of the most talked-about narratives in the league’s history. But as the men’s team mounts another strong campaign in 2025, captain Rajat Patidar is shifting the spotlight—crediting the RCB women’s side for already delivering a long-awaited trophy to the franchise.
“No one can say that we don’t have a trophy”
In a recent podcast appearance for the club with Mayanti Langer, Patidar responded with a smile when asked about the possibility of becoming the first captain in RCB history to lift the IPL trophy. Instead, he pointed to Smriti Mandhana and the RCB women’s team, who won the Women’s Premier League (WPL) title in 2024.
“We have one trophy. The women’s team has won it. It’s a big inspiration for us. We have one trophy. No one can say that we don’t have a trophy” — said Rajat Patidar, captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, in a podcast with Mayanti Langer.
Patidar’s words reflect a shift in how success is defined at RCB. The women’s team’s triumph over the Delhi Capitals in the WPL final not only brought pride to the franchise but also served as a motivational benchmark for the men’s side as they chase their own glory.
RCB men close in on playoffs spot
Currently sitting second on the IPL 2025 points table, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are well-positioned for a deep run in the tournament. With 8 wins and 16 points, Patidar’s side needs just one more win from their remaining three league games to officially seal a spot in the playoffs.
RCB’s upcoming fixtures include key clashes against the Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Lucknow Super Giants—three opportunities to secure momentum ahead of the knockout rounds.
A new era of belief at RCB
While the pressure on Patidar is undeniable, he appears to be embracing the challenge. His acknowledgment of the women’s team’s success isn’t just a nod to inclusivity—it’s a clear signal that RCB, as a franchise, has already begun rewriting its legacy.
The women’s WPL title has changed the narrative. For a club long seen as title-less, that label no longer applies.
As the men’s team continues its strong IPL push, they’re not just chasing their first crown—they’re chasing a second for the RCB badge.
