Radha Yadav may have surprised many with her match-winning knock at No. 5 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, but Smriti Mandhana was not one of them.
Often viewed primarily as a left-arm spinner and elite fielder, Radha showed on January 16 in Navi Mumbai that she possesses the technique, temperament, and clarity to bat higher up the order — and rescue a side under pressure.
Her 66 off 47 balls against Gujarat Giants (GG) didn’t just lift RCB to a competitive 182 for 7, it also reshaped the conversation around her role in T20 cricket.
📉 RCB in Trouble, Radha Steps Up
RCB got off to a blazing start, smashing 23 runs in the opening over, the most expensive first over in WPL history. But the momentum vanished quickly.
Match Situation Snapshot:
- RCB: 39/3, then 43/4
- Mandhana dismissed early
- Middle order under pressure
- Gujarat Giants sensing control
That’s when Radha Yadav walked in — calm, composed, and unfazed.
🧠 Why Radha at No. 5 Was Not a Gamble
While many saw Radha’s promotion as a necessity due to RCB’s long tail, Mandhana revealed post-match that the move was planned and backed by domestic evidence.
Mandhana on Radha’s Role:
“She has played that role for Baroda and done well. If someone has batted at that number in state cricket, we should back them.”
Radha has:
- Batted in the top order for Baroda
- Played as a middle-order batter for India A
- Shown leadership and maturity beyond her primary bowling role
🔥 The Match-Defining Partnership
Radha found a perfect ally in Richa Ghosh, and together they stitched a crucial stand.
Key Partnership Stats:
| Detail | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Partnership | 105 runs |
| Balls Faced | 66 |
| Wicket | 5th |
| WPL Record | Only 2nd 100+ Indian partnership |
RCB scored 98 runs between overs 7–16, the fourth-highest middle-overs tally in WPL history.
🏹 Radha’s Innings: Patience Meets Power
Radha’s knock was a masterclass in game awareness.
- Started slow: 3 runs off 10 balls
- Faced 14 dot balls
- Shifted gears against spin
- Slogged, swept, and pulled with authority
Her maiden WPL fifty came in just 36 balls, sealed with a crisp six off Sophie Devine.
Among Indian batters in WPL 2026:
- Harmanpreet Kaur – 2 fifties
- Harleen Deol – 1 fifty
- Radha Yadav – 1 fifty
🎤 Radha on Confidence & Backing
After being named Player of the Match, Radha summed it up simply:
“I know I have the game and temperament, but when someone gives you confidence, it becomes different.”
That confidence — from Mandhana and the RCB management — made the difference.
🔄 What This Means for RCB Going Forward
Radha’s success at No. 5 gives RCB:
- More batting depth
- Flexibility to play extra bowlers
- Reduced pressure on overseas slots
- Tactical freedom against strong teams like DC
It could also mean fewer opportunities for fringe overseas players if RCB opts for a bowling-heavy XI.
🏁 Final Word
Radha Yadav’s innings wasn’t just a match-winning knock — it was a statement.
A statement that she is more than a bowler, more than a fielder, and fully capable of handling responsibility in crunch moments. Smriti Mandhana saw it long before WPL 2026 — now, everyone else has too.
