Richa Ghosh earns comparisons to MS Dhoni with match-winning six as fans go wild after WPL 2025 opener

The 2025 season of the WPL kicked off with a thrilling match as Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their title with a six-wicket victory against Gujarat Giants in Vadodara. RCB chased down the target of 202 runs in just 18.3 overs, reaching 202/4 with an outstanding performance from Richa Ghosh. Ghosh sealed the win with a match-winning six and was awarded the Player of the Match for her unbeaten knock of 64* off 27 balls as the wicketkeeper-batter showcased her talent and skills on the field.

Meanwhile, Ellyse Perry also got a half-century for RCB, with a knock of 57 runs off 34 balls. On the other hand, Kanika Ahuja set a match-winning partnership with Ghosh, clattering 30* off 13 balls.

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Ghosh hogged the spotlight with her power-hitting abilities, which is already known by fans. In the third delivery of the 19th over, she received a short length delivery from Deandra Dottin, which he hammered over midwicket for a six as RCB sealed the highest successful chase in WPL history.

Ghosh’s performance sent social media into a state of meltdown, and many rushed to compare her to MS Dhoni, the former India captain, known for his match-winning sixes and fours.

Here is what fans said:

Initially, Ashleigh Gardner’s unbeaten knock of 79* runs off 37 balls took Gujarat to 201/5 in 20 overs. Meanwhile, even Beth Mooney (56) got a half-century. For RCB’s bowling department, Renuka Singh struck twice.

Speaking after the match, RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana said, “Really happy to be on the winning side. The way Richa batted, it was brilliant to watch in the end. They have been doing that in the nets to all our bowlers and we always thought we were in the game after the first innings because of the dew. We had a good auction and whoever came in for the injured, thought they were all good replacements.”

Meanwhile, Richa said, “The plan was to take time and take it deep, I just tried to focus on my natural game. We always were positive and had the belief to chase this target. The preparation was really helpful because we had these kind of targets and those situations really helped us. The plan was just see ball and hit ball.”

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