RCB aim to bounce back against Giants in WPL 2025
What's the story
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are all set to face the Gujarat Giants in a vital clash in the ongoing Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025. Despite being in excellent form this season, RCB are under pressure after two back-to-back defeats. A win at their home ground on Thursday could see them get to 6 points alongside Mumbai Indians Delhi Capitals. Meanwhile, GG are 5th with one win from 4 matches.
Performance review
RCB's recent performance and upcoming challenges
RCB began the season on a high note with two impressive victories. However, their winning streak was halted by the Mumbai Indians in a nail-biting finish and UP Warriorz in a Super Over. Despite these setbacks, RCB hold a favorable record against the Giants, having won three out of five matches including a decisive victory in this year's season opener.
Team struggles
Giants grapple with performance issues ahead of RCB clash
Meanwhile, the Gujarat Giants are battling their own demons ahead of facing RCB. The team has been a perennial bottom-fisher in WPL 2023 and 2024, and is placed in a similar position now. Their performance has been tainted by over-dependence on players like Ashleigh Gardner and Deandra Dottin, who have failed to deliver in the last few matches.
Batting concerns
Giants's batting woes and potential changes
The Giants are also struggling with their batting lineup, having the lowest run rate (5.79), fewest runs, and boundaries (16 fours and four sixes) this season. They have also lost the most wickets (11) in the powerplay. With Beth Mooney out of form and Harleen Deol not a natural striker, there's speculation that either Gardner or Dottin might be moved up in the order to boost their performance.
Team updates
RCB vs Giants: Team news and key players
RCB will probably retain their playing XI from the last match against Warriorz. The side features Smriti Mandhana (captain), Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Ellyse Perry, Raghvi Bist, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kanika Ahuja, Georgia Wareham, Sneh Rana, Kim Garth, Ekta Bisht and Renuka Singh. Meanwhile, the Giants had made three changes in their previous game and could shuffle their batting order with Phoebe Litchfield opening the innings.
Information
Player focus: Ellyse Perry
Perry is the 2nd-highest run-scorer this season with 235 runs in four innings at 117.50. In the last game, Perry also went past Meg Lanning to become WPL's overall highest run-scorer. She hit an unbeaten 90 in her last match.