WPL: Richa Ghosh credits match simulations for RCB's record run-chase
What's the story
Star Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) player Richa Ghosh has credited her sensational performance in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 to pre-game match simulations.
These strategic preparations proved instrumental in RCB's record-breaking run-chase against the Gujarat Giants.
Ghosh finished the match with 64* off 27 balls, laced with seven boundaries and four maximums.
Meanwhile, the win has given the defending champions a strong start, who won by six wickets in their season opener.
Winning strategy
Ghosh and Ahuja's partnership leads RCB to victory
Ghosh and her teammate Kanika Ahuja played a key role in RCB's win. Their unbeaten partnership helped RCB achieve a historic run-chase and set a new record for the team.
At the post-match presentation, Ghosh spoke about her performance and stated, "The preparation we did with sir [head coach Luke Williams] really helped us. We had a lot of match situation during practice matches."
Game plan
Ghosh and Ahuja's strategy behind record run-chase
Ghosh revealed their strategy was to assess the pitch and concentrate on their own games.
"The plan was to take some time, and see how the pitch is reacting. I wanted to take it deep, and I focused on my game. We [Ahuja and I] thought we could get to the total, and that we would play a positive game," she added.
Meanwhile, the strategy worked just fine, as they chased down a target of 202 runs in 18.3 overs.
Player comparison
Ghosh's power-hitting skills draw comparisons to MS Dhoni
Ghosh's phenomenal innings has led to comparisons with former Indian captain MS Dhoni, who was famous for his match-winning sixes and fours.
Her power-hitting abilities were on full display when she hit a six off Deandra Dottin's short-length delivery in the 19th over.
The shot not only secured RCB's highest successful chase but also became the highest successful chase in WPL history, reinforcing her reputation as a formidable player.
Team hurdles
Ahuja's comeback and RCB's challenges
Ahuja, who missed last season due to injury, was ecstatic to return to action. Despite losing key players like Sophie Devine, Shreyanka Patil, Asha Sobhana, and Sophie Molineux before the season, RCB overcame the setbacks.
Meanwhile, the team relied on three newcomers—Prema Rawat, VJ Joshitha, and Raghvi Bist—to step up.
Numbers
Ghosh owns 450+ WPL runs
After her stellar knock, the wicketkeeper-batter has now raced to 459 WPL runs at an average of 38.25.
She also boasts a strike rate of 148.06, including three fifties to her name.
Additionally, her heroic knock of 64* off 27 balls is her highest WPL score so far.
Notably, she is the second-highest run-scorer for RCB currently, only behind Ellyse Perry (657 runs), and the sixth-highest overall.