Richa Ghosh’s Winning Six Reminds Fans of MS Dhoni in Thrilling WPL 2025 Opener
Vadodara: The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 season got off to an electrifying start as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a remarkable six-wicket victory over Gujarat Giants in the opening match. The highlight of the game was Richa Ghosh’s sensational match-winning six, which instantly reminded cricket fans of former Indian captain MS Dhoni’s iconic finishing style.
A Thrilling Chase and a Historic Victory
Gujarat Giants set a formidable target, scoring 201 runs for the loss of five wickets in their 20 overs. In response, RCB displayed remarkable composure and aggression, successfully chasing down the total in just 18.3 overs with four wickets down. The star of the match was Richa Ghosh, who played an unbeaten knock of 64 runs off just 27 balls, securing her the Player of the Match award.
Richa’s explosive innings were complemented by Ellyse Perry, who scored 57 runs off 34 balls, and Kanika Ahuja, who remained unbeaten on 30 off just 13 balls. Their contributions ensured that RCB achieved the highest-ever successful run chase in WPL history.
MS Dhoni’s Signature Style Recreated
The moment that stole the limelight came in the 19th over. Facing Deandra Dottin, Richa launched a powerful six over midwicket, sealing the victory for RCB. The stroke had a striking resemblance to MS Dhoni’s trademark finishes, sending social media into a frenzy. Fans and cricket analysts alike drew comparisons between the young batter and the legendary captain, hailing Richa’s confidence and composure under pressure.
Social Media Erupts with Praise
Cricket fans took to social media to shower praise on Richa Ghosh. Many compared her powerful backlift and fluid bat swing to that of Dhoni, with some even dubbing her the “finisher in the making.” The video of her match-winning six quickly went viral, with fans celebrating her ability to handle high-pressure situations with ease.
Gujarat Giants’ Strong Batting Display
Despite the loss, Gujarat Giants had an impressive batting performance, spearheaded by Ashleigh Gardner, who played a stellar innings of 79* off 37 balls. Beth Mooney also contributed significantly with 56 runs. However, their efforts were not enough to contain RCB’s aggressive batting approach.
RCB’s bowling attack, led by Renuka Singh, managed to keep the Gujarat batters in check, with Renuka claiming two crucial wickets. Although Gujarat posted a strong total, RCB’s batting firepower proved too dominant in the end.
RCB Captain Smriti Mandhana’s Reaction
Following the victory, RCB captain Smriti Mandhana expressed her delight at the team’s performance. She particularly praised Richa Ghosh’s innings, stating, “It was fantastic to watch Richa bat. She has been doing this in the nets consistently, and today, she executed it perfectly in the match. We knew that with dew coming in, we were always in the game. Our team selection in the auction has worked well, and even the replacements for injured players have stepped up brilliantly.”
Richa Ghosh Reflects on Her Performance
Speaking about her innings, Richa Ghosh shared her game plan: “My approach was to take my time, play my natural game, and stay till the end. We always had confidence in chasing this target. The preparation in the nets helped us a lot because we had faced similar high-pressure situations before. The plan was simple—watch the ball and hit it.”
A Strong Start for RCB in WPL 2025
With this victory, RCB has made a strong statement at the start of WPL 2025. The performance of young players like Richa Ghosh has set an encouraging tone for the team’s campaign. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on how RCB maintains this momentum and how other teams respond to the competition.
With several formidable teams in the mix, WPL 2025 promises to be an action-packed season filled with thrilling encounters. Cricket enthusiasts can expect more high-intensity matches, as every team is determined to claim the championship title. For now, RCB has taken the lead with a dominant performance, and Richa Ghosh has emerged as a player to watch in this exciting season of women’s cricket.