‘You have the best fans’: Outside the WPL, Elysse Perry supports Smriti Mandhana’s RCB from home – Watch | Cricket News
Australian all-rounder and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) player Ellyse Perry made her presence felt ahead of the team’s WPL 2026 opening match against Mumbai Indians at the DY Patil Stadium, despite withdrawing from the tournament. Perry, who withdrew for personal reasons, shared a video message for the team and fans Friday morning.WPL 2024 champions RCB posted the video on Instagram with the caption: “A familiar voice wishing strength and support. Perry sends love and luck to the team for the upcoming WPL 2026 season.”In the video, Perry addresses her teammates and fans of “RCB Bold,” emphasizing the connection she has established with the franchise and the city over the past three years.Although she won’t participate in the matches, Perry said she will watch the tournament from home and support the team. She also asked fans to support the team throughout the season.“Hey team, good luck tonight and for the whole WPL. Hope you have a great time. You have the best fans in the world, and I’m sure they will be there to cheer you on, just like me from home. Go well, have a good time,” Perry said in RCB’s Instagram post.Perry’s absence from WPL 2026 ends a streak of consistent performances in the league. She was retained by RCB for Rs 2 crore before the season. Over three WPL seasons, she scored 972 points.In the 2024 edition, Perry won the Orange Cap after scoring 347 runs at an average of 69.40. She has taken 14 wickets in the league and holds the record for the best bowling figures in WPL history, 6/15 against Mumbai Indians. Perry played a key role for RCB with both bat and ball, contributing in the middle order and with timely wickets.
