Although both teams have recently suffered consecutive defeats, their performances are not on the same level. RCB has been particularly strong in WPL 2025. Still, they must prepare to host Gujarat Giants while feeling the pressure to perform well.
After dominating two matches, they were defeated by Mumbai Indians in the second-last ball and UP Warriorz in a Super Over. Cricket momentum can be both positive and negative. Wins can boost confidence, but losses can be disheartening. With two tough losses under their belt, RCB will strive to return to their winning streak, particularly as the tournament reaches its crucial phase.
RCB has a strong track record against Giants, having won three out of five matches, including a convincing victory in this year’s season opener. Furthermore, they remain undefeated against Giants in Bengaluru. Notably, RCB boasts the current holder of the purple cap and a legendary player who is within reach of the orange cap. With the Bengaluru leg coming to an end, RCB will be determined to climb up the points table.
Meanwhile, the Giants are faced with a series of challenges that require resolution. They concluded both WPL 2023 and 2024 in last place and find themselves in a similar situation once more. Their reliance on Ashleigh Gardner and Deandra Dottin has proven to be problematic, as neither player has been able to spark their performance in the past two matches.
The issue begins at the beginning of the batting lineup for the Giants. They currently hold the lowest run rate (5.79), fewest runs, boundaries (16 fours and four sixes), and have suffered the most wickets lost (11) during the powerplay this season. Given Beth Mooney’s lack of form and Harleen Deol’s limited striking abilities, would it be wise to have either Gardner or Dottin move up in the order and take on a more aggressive approach?
It seems improbable that RCB will alter their playing lineup from the previous game against Warriorz.
Probable lineup for Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Smriti Mandhana as the captain, followed by Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Ellyse Perry, Raghvi Bist, Richa Ghosh as the wicketkeeper, Kanika Ahuja, Georgia Wareham, Sneh Rana, Kim Garth, Ekta Bisht and Renuka Singh.
In their last game, Giants made three alterations to their starting lineup, but opted not to have Phoebe Litchfield open the innings. However, there is a possibility that she may move to the top spot while Harleen Deol takes on the No. 3 position. Despite Simran Shaikh’s lackluster performance in the tournament thus far, it is likely that Giants will bring in Dayalan Hemalatha to strengthen their batting.
The probable line-up for Gujarat Giants includes Beth Mooney as wicket-keeper, Phoebe Litchfield, Harleen Deol, and captain Ashleigh Gardner. Also on the team are Deandra Dottin, Dayalan Hemalatha, Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwar, Priya Mishra, and Meghna Singh.
Some players to keep an eye on are Ellyse Perry and Kashvee Gautam.
It appears that Ellyse Perry has stepped up her game with the bat during WPL 2025. As the second-highest scorer this season, Perry has tallied an impressive 235 runs in just four innings, averaging 117.50. Additionally, in the last game, she surpassed Meg Lanning to become the all-time leading scorer in WPL history.
Despite entering the tournament with a hip injury, Perry refrained from bowling in RCB’s first three matches but managed to take a wicket after bowling two overs against Warriorz. Utilizing her full quota of four overs could greatly benefit and further balance RCB’s team dynamic.
Amidst an otherwise demoralising tournament, Kashvee Gautam of the Giants has shone brightly. Despite being acquired for a staggering INR 2 crore prior to the WPL auction for 2024, she was unable to participate due to an injury. However, the team chose to keep her and she is now proving their decision worthwhile.
Although she had a rough start against RCB, conceding 22 runs in two overs, Gautam quickly turned things around in the next three matches by taking five wickets with an impressive economy rate. In fact, out of all the bowlers who have delivered at least 30 balls in this WPL, Gautam’s economy of 6.00 ranks fourth.
While she did contribute a quickfire 20 runs off just 15 balls against Mumbai, Gautam has not yet made much of an impact with the bat and this is an area she may want to focus on improving.
