WPL 2025: Anjum Chopra Shares Insights on RCB's Early Wickets
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Synopsis
Anjum Chopra discusses how losing three early wickets led to RCB's defeat against Gujarat Giants in the WPL 2025. The former Indian captain highlights the impact of early dismissals on match outcomes and praises the performance of GG's bowlers.
Key Takeaways
- Early wicket loss
- Ashleigh Gardner
- RCB struggled to recover after losing key players.
- Gujarat's disciplined bowling played a crucial role in their victory.
- Australian players demonstrate consistent depth in talent.
Bengaluru, Feb 28 (NationPress) Former India captain Anjum Chopra analyzed the performance of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and noted that the loss of three early wickets severely impacted the defending champions during their match against Gujarat Giants in the WPL 2025 on Thursday.
In a rematch following their initial encounter, GG exacted their revenge by defeating RCB on their home ground. With consistent breakthroughs from GG's bowlers and a captain’s innings from Ashleigh Gardner, they achieved a comfortable six-wicket victory at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
“Losing wickets early is always a setback, and if you lose more than two wickets in the powerplay while accumulating over 30-35 dot balls in a 120-ball match, it's likely you'll face defeat. Today was no exception. For RCB, the most significant blows were the dismissals of Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry during the powerplay,” Anjum commented on JioHotstar.
A disciplined bowling performance from GG set the stage, limiting RCB to 125/7. Gardner struck in her opening over, dismissing the in-form Perry. RCB’s troubles escalated when Mandhana fell to Tanuja Kanwar (2-16) in the sixth over, caught by Harleen Deol, leaving RCB struggling at 26-3 by the end of the powerplay.
Kanika Ahuja (33 off 28) and Raghvi Bist (22 off 19) fought hard, rotating the strike and finding occasional boundaries to keep the score ticking. However, a direct hit from Bharti Fulmali found Raghvi short of his ground. Kanwar then took a well-judged return catch to dismiss a well-set Ahuja. Kashvee Gautam bowled a precise yorker to clean up Richa Ghosh, preventing any partnership from developing. The lower order failed to provide the necessary late fireworks.
“Kudos to the bowlers from Gujarat Giants. We anticipated a stronger performance from Gujarat, especially after their previous match, where they scored over 200 runs but still faced defeat in Vadodara. Certain factors weigh on the minds of players and captains. Tonight was one of those instances when the three early dismissals left RCB in a position they couldn't recover from.
“Defending that target required additional breakthroughs from their bowlers. Other than Renuka Singh Thakur, they needed assistance from another bowler to take wickets, but that didn’t occur,” Anjum added.
In pursuit of 127, Gujarat Giants encountered early difficulties with their opening pair falling within the powerplay, both wickets claimed by Purple Cap holder Renuka Singh Thakur. However, Gardner took charge, leading her team with a spectacular 31-ball 58 following an impressive bowling display, guiding her team to victory.
Discussing Gardner’s influence and the prowess of Australian cricketers in the WPL, Anjum remarked, “Observe the depth of talent with players like Ashleigh Gardner and Ellyse Perry. This is the reason for Australia’s dominance. Even under pressure, they manage to find ways to fight back. If it’s not Perry, it’s Gardner. If it’s not Gardner, it’s Phoebe Litchfield. If it’s not Litchfield, it’s Georgia Wareham.
“Though they play for different teams in tonight's match, they all share the same winning culture – a nurturing environment that teaches them how to secure victories and challenge the opposition. Gardner’s initial shot of the evening - a sharp cover drive - was exceptional. It’s this kind of confidence and skill that makes Australian players so formidable,” she concluded.
