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WPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru suffered their first defeat after a five-match winning streak in the Women’s Premier League 2026, but the loss has not shaken the larger ambition of the team. After going down to Delhi Capitals by seven wickets, RCB’s acting head coach Malolan Rangarajan made it clear that merely qualifying for the playoffs is not the benchmark for success. According to him, the team’s focus remains firmly on finishing at the top of the points table and setting the right momentum heading into the knockout stage.

RCB’s Bigger Picture Beyond Qualification

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Malolan emphasized that qualification alone does not define success for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He underlined that the squad is driven by higher standards and long-term goals. While securing a playoff berth is important, RCB are determined to push for the top position rather than easing off after qualification. The defeat against Delhi Capitals was therefore seen as a reality check rather than a major setback.

Malolan explained that brushing aside the loss simply because qualification is achieved would go against the team’s competitive mindset. According to him, every match in a long tournament like the WPL carries learning value, especially when the objective is to dominate the league phase.

Delhi Capitals’ Dominant Performance

Delhi Capitals produced a clinical all-round performance to halt RCB’s winning run. After winning the toss, DC put RCB in to bat and applied immediate pressure with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. RCB struggled to build partnerships and were eventually restricted to a modest total of 109 runs. The surface was challenging, particularly during the PowerPlay, but DC adapted far better to the conditions.

In response, Delhi Capitals chased down the target comfortably, reaching the finish line with 4.2 overs to spare. This comprehensive victory helped DC climb to second place in the points table while also giving a significant boost to their Net Run Rate, strengthening their position in the playoff race.

Honest Assessment of the Loss

Malolan was candid in his assessment, admitting that DC outplayed RCB in all three departments. He acknowledged that while the pitch was not the easiest to bat on, the team had aimed for a total closer to 140, which would have been more competitive. Falling well short of that target left little margin for error, and RCB were unable to apply sustained pressure during the chase.

Rather than seeing the defeat as damaging to confidence, Malolan described it as part of the natural flow of a long tournament. He stressed that the players are professionals who understand how to respond to different match situations. From a coaching perspective, he said his reaction would have been the same regardless of whether the team still needed wins to qualify or was already through.

Tactical Changes and Batting Order Decisions

The match also sparked discussion around RCB’s batting order, particularly the use of players like Radha Yadav and Richa Ghosh. Addressing these concerns, Malolan clarified that the changes were made with tactical clarity in mind, not due to poor form. He explained that optimal resource allocation is crucial over the course of a tournament, and sometimes experimentation is necessary to identify the best combinations for crucial matches ahead.

According to him, encountering such challenges earlier in the tournament is beneficial, as it allows the team to adjust strategies before the playoffs. These decisions are part of a broader plan to ensure RCB peak at the right time.

Looking Ahead in WPL 2026

Despite the loss, the mood within the RCB camp remains focused and forward-looking. The team understands the importance of learning from setbacks while maintaining high standards. With the playoff spot secured, RCB are now aiming to refine their execution, address batting inconsistencies, and return stronger in the remaining league matches.

As WPL 2026 progresses, this defeat could serve as a timely reminder for RCB about the fine margins at the top level. The emphasis, as Malolan reiterated, is not just on qualifying, but on finishing strong and asserting dominance at the top of the table.