The M Chinnaswamy Stadium played host to a lively start to IPL 2026, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru securing a six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad. The evening was further highlighted by the presence of Women’s Premier League stars Smriti Mandhana, Shreyanka Patil and Arundhati Reddy, who were in attendance to support the team.
The victory added to the celebratory mood among home supporters, as RCB began their campaign on a positive note.
Mandhana Reflects on Chinnaswamy Return
Mandhana spoke about the significance of returning to the venue and the memories associated with it.
“I mean, it feels amazing to be back at Chinnaswamy very happy that cricket is back at Chinnaswamy and and yeah, so many memories we’ve had as a team, so really pleased and happy to come by there.”
She also shared a personal connection with the ground.
“My only international wicket is actually in this stadium. So that’s one of the fondest memories I have, but nothing can go past my first experience as a captain walking out at Chinnaswamy and not being able to hear the presenter speak. I mean, I had never felt it before, as a woman cricketer, but I mean, the crowd gave me a lot of emotions in that moment, and I feel it even at this. The moment I close my eyes, I can recall that emotion, which is very rare with me. But yeah, I mean, that’s one thing which has always stayed with me.”
Players Enjoy the Atmosphere as Fans
Shreyanka Patil expressed her excitement at being back at the venue and witnessing the opening game.
“I mean, we love winning so, so I was very happy and just to come here and after I think 200 odd days coming here in Chinnaswamy stadium opening game, nothing can be better than this.”
She also spoke about her connection with the stadium and the fans.
“Absolutely. I mean, playing in front of these lovely fans and this lovely ground and this beautiful stadium, I just love being here, and obviously, I’ve won the WPL trophy twice, and now just to come back here. It feels like home for me, and I’ve always been a die-hard fan. ”
“And I’m forever a fan whenever I watch the IPL. I’m not here at Chinnaswamy as a cricketer watching the match, but as a huge fan. I’m a big fan girl, just like everyone else sitting here- boys and girls enjoying the game. I’m simply one among them.”
Light Moments Off the Field
Patil also shared some light-hearted moments from the evening.
“Food, for sure. It would be Jemmi (Jemimah Rodrigues) or Aru (Arundhati Reddy), because she’s a huge foodie. But honestly, it’s also about just being here. Now that Aru plays for RCB, she loves coming here for the crowd, the energy, the fans- everyone chanting ‘RCB, RCB.’ She absolutely loves it. And since we’re playing against SRH and she’s from Hyderabad, I teased her, asking, ‘Who are you supporting?’ I told her, ‘Don’t you dare say SRH, you’ll be in trouble here!’ It was all in good fun. But I know deep down how much she loves being here and how much she enjoys it, just like Jemmi.”
Reddy on Fan Support
Arundhati Reddy reflected on the reception she receives as part of the RCB setup.
“Everywhere I go, people actually know me more as an RCB player. I think it is just I’ve never, I’ve never got this kind of love otherwise, but you know, just grateful and really happy that I’m part of RCB, and can just feel great.”
She also added that the players enjoyed the match from the stands.
“We’re just watching, just having fun—enjoying the game as spectators, as true cricket fans.”
A Special Night at Chinnaswamy
Mandhana highlighted the atmosphere at the venue and its significance for the team and fans.
“We’ve had two seasons of the WPL, and I feel there’s a different emotion when you play at Chinnaswamy. The noise, the energy, it’s incredible. I’m so happy that it’s a full house. There’s nothing better than seeing this stadium packed for me, especially with cricket back here.”
“Of course, winning the trophy is special, and I’m sure people enjoyed and celebrated it. But more than anything, I’m just really happy that cricket is back here.”
With RCB opening their campaign with a win and their WPL stars sharing the moment from the stands, the evening reflected both on-field success and the strong connection between the team and its supporters.
