Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) slogan Ee Sala Cup Namde (The Cup is ours this time) has attracted their players and passionate fans a lot of trolling on social media over the last few years.
However, the scenario changed on Sunday (March 18) as the franchise defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 final to break its 16-year-long trophy drought.
After the triumph, RCB off-spinner Shreyanka Patil, who finished as the leading wicket-taker in WPL 2024 with 13 scalps, dedicated the trophy to their ardent fans.
"They keep saying 'Ee sala cup namde' and we got it. That's it guys, it is for the fans," said Shreyanka, who claimed four wickets in the final.
She also praised RCB women's team head coach Luke Williams for keeping the dressing room calm.
"Day in and day out we put our hard work. We felt like family. We did not know Luke much. During the last game that we won against Mumbai, he had tears. We are looking forward to continuing this," she added.
The highest run-scorer in this WPL was also from the RCB camp as Elysse Perry topped the run-makers' chart with 347 runs to her name.
Following the victory, Perry said the support for the teams throughout the event was very heartening.
"Pretty bonkers, to be honest. It's another level for us - the support for all the teams has been phenomenal and it's been unbelievable," the Australian all-rounder said.
Perry lauded Shreyanka and her compatriot Sophie Molineux for turning the final on its head after DC raced to 64 for no loss.
"She turned the match on its head. The rest of the spinners backed her up. Shreyanka is such a young player and she has got the world at her feet. It was a special performance," said Perry.
Coming to the match, RCB defeated DC by eight wickets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi to clinch their maiden WPL title.
Opting to bat first, DC’s innings folded for a paltry 113 in 18.3 overs despite a blistering 64-run stand between Shafali Verma (44 off 27) and skipper Meg Lanning (23 off 23).
The spin troika of Sophie Molineux (3/20), Shreyanka Patil (4/12) and Asha Sobhana (2/14) ran through the Delhi batting line-up, sharing nine scalps among them.
In reply, skipper Smriti Mandhana (31) added 49 runs opening wicket with Sophie Devine (32). After their dismissals, Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh took control of the scene and remained unbeaten on 35 and 17 to see the side through with three deliveries to spare.
(With PTI Inputs)
