The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 season began with an electrifying encounter as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pulled off the highest-ever successful run chase in tournament history against Gujarat Giants (GG). Chasing a mammoth 202, RCB looked in trouble before a breathtaking 93-run partnership off just 37 balls between Indian stars Richa Ghosh and Kanika Ahuja secured a stunning victory with more than an over to spare.
Richa Ghosh Draws MS Dhoni Comparisons
Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh delivered a match-winning performance, hammering an unbeaten 64 off just 27 balls. Her sensational knock, which included four sixes and seven boundaries, drew comparisons from fans to legendary Indian men’s cricketer MS Dhoni. Coming in when RCB needed around 12 runs per over, Richa took control of the chase and steered her team to an emphatic win.
Fans took to social media to express their admiration for Richa’s incredible finishing ability:
- “Richa Ghosh just did a Dhoni… for RCB.”
- “Richa Ghosh reflects the essence of MS Dhoni like a perfect mirror.”
- “Her WPL stats—36/145 (average/strike rate)—are absolutely elite. Some player!”
A Star in the Making
Richa’s career trajectory shares uncanny similarities with Dhoni’s. Both hail from eastern India—Richa from Siliguri, West Bengal, and Dhoni from Ranchi, Jharkhand. They have also built a reputation for being aggressive middle-order power-hitters who can finish games under pressure.
Despite a shaky start, Richa quickly turned the tide. She was dropped on the first ball by Gujarat’s Simran Shaikh and had only 15 runs from her first 12 deliveries. However, once she found her rhythm, she went berserk, ensuring RCB crossed the line with nine balls to spare.
At just 21, Richa had already impressed in WPL 2024, scoring 257 runs at a strike rate of 142 as RCB lifted the title. With the way she started the 2025 season, she looks set to surpass that achievement.
Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Match Recap
Gujarat Giants set an imposing total of 201, courtesy of captain Ashleigh Gardner’s blistering 79 off 37 balls. RCB’s chase began strongly with Australian star Ellyse Perry laying the foundation through a well-crafted 57 off 34 deliveries. However, after Perry’s dismissal, RCB still required 93 more runs to win.
Richa’s aggressive stroke play, supported by Kanika Ahuja’s 30 off just 13 balls, ensured RCB reached the target in style. Their partnership, which came at an astonishing run rate of 15.08 per over, became the second-fastest 50+ stand in WPL history.
The Road Ahead for RCB
With this thrilling victory, RCB has set the tone for the WPL 2025 season. If Richa Ghosh continues her red-hot form, she could be a game-changer for the defending champions. Fans will eagerly watch how she progresses as the tournament unfolds.
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