RCB lift WPL 2026 trophy, but it's Lauren Bell who breaks the internet and claims 'national crush' crown

Karen Noronha | Indiatimes | Feb 06, 2026, 06:23 IST

Throughout the WPL 2026 season, Lauren Bell emerged as one of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) most reliable match-winners.

Image credit : X/@RCBTweets | Lauren Bell was awarded the Most Dot Balls prize (₹5 lakh).

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) sealed their second Women's Premier League (WPL) title with a commanding six-wicket win over Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Thursday, February 5.

Fireworks lit up the night as RCB celebrated yet another championship moment - but even as the trophy was raised, the loudest buzz belonged to one player: Lauren Bell, who once again proved why fans refuse to move on from her "national crush" era.

Image credit : X/@RCBTweets | Lauren Bell delivered relentless spells under pressure.

Lauren Bell's WPL 2026 dominance defines RCB's title run

Throughout the WPL 2026 season, Lauren Bell emerged as one of RCB's most reliable match-winners. The England pacer delivered relentless spells under pressure, finishing the campaign with 12 wickets in 9 matches and standing tall as the second-highest wicket-taker in the Mandhana-led side.

Her ability to choke runs and dictate tempo made her indispensable to RCB's championship journey. That impact was formally recognised when Bell was awarded the Most Dot Balls prize (₹5 lakh) - a stat that perfectly captured her season-long control and discipline.

The TATA WPL Green Dot Ball of the Match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals goes to Lauren Bell.#TATAWPL | #ClaimTheCrown | #RCBvDC | #Final | #GREENDOTBALL pic.twitter.com/E7v5DAu4JU

— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 5, 2026

Economical brilliance in the final keeps Lauren Bell in the spotlight

While wickets eluded her in the high-scoring final, Bell's influence never dipped. Bowling four tight overs, she conceded just 19 runs at an economy rate of 4.75, ensuring DC never fully broke free during crucial phases of the chase.

In a match packed with big hits and turning points, Bell's calm, clinical spell quietly reinforced why she remains one of the most trusted bowlers in RCB's setup - and one of the most admired figures in the league.

Image credit : X/@RCBTweets | Lauren Bell's economical brilliance in the final vs DC.

'National crush' chants return as fans flood X for Lauren Bell

It didn't take long for social media to erupt once the final whistle blew. X (formerly Twitter) was flooded with posts celebrating Bell, with fans reaffirming her status as the "national crush" - a title she has carried effortlessly through the season.

For many, it wasn't just about figures on the scoreboard. Bell's composure, presence, and consistency ensured she remained the emotional highlight of the night.

be like Lauren Bell

> came to India

> did morning walk on Indian roads

> fully enjoyed her time

> became National crush

> took 12 wickets for RCB

> won WPL 2026

> gained 2 million followers

> left pic.twitter.com/srkUmS9eMj

— HolyPun (@HolyPun) February 5, 2026

Lauren Bell is new crush😍😍😍

yaar kitti khoobsurat hai.

— Kuptaan 🇮🇳 (@Kuptaan) February 5, 2026

Lauren Bell is the national and international crush of cricket world 🩷🩷🩷🩷

— Lovicx (@Couple3pics) January 28, 2026

Lauren bell is crush material tbh

Bahut kam gori bandiyaan pyaari lagtin. But she's cute af😭🫶

— Baazzz🦅 (@joeystanaccount) February 5, 2026

Delhi Capitals' final curse deepens once again

While RCB celebrated, the night brought familiar heartbreak for Delhi Capitals. The defeat marked their fourth consecutive loss in a WPL final, extending a painful streak that began in 2023 and continued through 2024 and 2025. Despite another spirited campaign, the elusive title slipped away once more.

💔 pic.twitter.com/uEbtE1KNyi

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) February 5, 2026

As for RCB, with another season in the books, fans are already waiting to see what Bell will bring in next. For now, the verdict is unanimous: the trophy is red and gold, but the spotlight remains firmly on Lauren Bell.

GENERAL

Karen Noronha