Radha Yadav Rises to the Occasion as RCB’s No. 5 Gamble Pays Off
Radha Yadav delivered a defining performance under pressure, proving her credentials as a reliable middle-order batter for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League.
RCB found themselves in early trouble as their top four batters returned to the pavilion before the Powerplay ended. The plan to hold back Richa Ghosh for a late assault had to be abandoned, forcing her to enter at No. 6 with field restrictions still in place. At that stage, the spotlight shifted to Radha Yadav, promoted to No. 5 in a high-risk, high-reward move.
From Lower Order to Responsibility
Radha’s promotion came in the absence of the injured Pooja Vastrakar. While she has traditionally batted in the lower order at the international level, Radha has long played a middle-order role in domestic cricket for Baroda — experience that RCB chose to trust.
The situation demanded composure rather than aggression, and Radha responded with maturity.
A Calm Beginning Sets the Tone
Her early deliveries were handled cautiously, prioritising stability as wickets continued to fall around her. Runs were slow initially, but her shot selection reflected awareness rather than hesitation. Once settled, Radha began finding gaps through the offside, gradually easing the pressure.
The turning point came against Georgia Wareham, when Radha confidently pierced the field before launching a delivery straight down the ground, signaling her intent without unnecessary risk.
Smart Batting, Clear Mind
As the innings progressed, Radha showcased control rather than brute force. She capitalised on width from both pacers and spinners, keeping most shots along the ground and rotating strike efficiently. Attempts by Gujarat Giants to restrict her with leg-side fields were countered by clever footwork and use of the crease.
Giants head coach Michael Klinger later admitted that their bowling lacked discipline once swing disappeared, allowing Radha to score freely.
Partnership That Changed the Match
Radha and Richa stitched together a crucial 105-run partnership off 66 balls, turning a precarious situation into a position of strength. As Radha crossed the 35-run mark, she seamlessly shifted gears, accelerating through the middle overs and reaching a well-deserved half-century — only the third by an Indian batter this season.
Despite benefiting from a couple of dropped chances, her innings was marked by balance, shot selection, and composure.
Backed by Belief
Post-match, Radha credited her confidence to prior experience in domestic and India A cricket, along with constant communication from Richa at the other end. RCB captain Smriti Mandhana explained that the decision to bat Radha at No. 5 was based on proven domestic performances rather than experimentation.
More Than Just a Tactical Move
The innings laid the foundation for RCB’s 32-run victory, later boosted by a quick cameo from Nadine de Klerk. While questions remain around team balance and bowling combinations, RCB’s unbeaten start and position at the top of the table validate their approach for now.
When pressure peaked and opportunity knocked, Radha Yadav delivered — not as a surprise package, but as a batter ready for responsibility.
