WPL RCB | Ellyse Perry on RCB, WPL, and the Evolution of Women’s Cricket

Ellyse Perry Reflects on RCB, WPL, and the Unstoppable Rise of Women’s Cricket

Ellyse Perry is no stranger to cricketing excellence. The Australian all-rounder, currently leading the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 in the Orange Cap race with 323 runs in seven innings, recently opened up about her journey in the sport, the evolution of women’s cricket, and the electrifying support she receives at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Speaking on the RCB Bold and Beyond podcast, Perry shared personal anecdotes about her early years, the rapid professionalization of women’s cricket, and the unique experience of playing at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

From a Spectator to a Star at Chinnaswamy

For Perry, playing at Chinnaswamy Stadium is more than just another venue it’s a full-circle moment. She vividly recalled watching the first-ever IPL match there, a game where Brendon McCullum’s explosive 158 for Kolkata Knight Riders set the tone for the tournament’s future.

“We went to the first IPL match where Brendon McCullum scored around 150 for KKR. I remember thinking that was the most insane thing ever,” Perry recalled. “Now, to be on the same field with a packed stadium where we can’t even communicate because it’s so loud it’s incredible. All of us at RCB feel so fortunate to be playing for this team because the support is just crazy.”

The passionate RCB fanbase has made a lasting impression on Perry, reinforcing why playing in Bengaluru feels special. The electric atmosphere, chants from the crowd, and unwavering support have made RCB one of the most exciting franchises in the WPL.

The Key to Longevity: Learning and Adapting

Despite being one of the most accomplished players in the women’s game, Perry remains a student of cricket. She attributes her sustained success to her willingness to learn and embrace challenges.

“I think I’ve been able to continue learning, which has been the most motivating factor,” she shared. “To still be playing and constantly discovering something new, adapting to different situations, and being challenged that’s what keeps me going.”

Women’s cricket has evolved significantly since Perry first made her debut for Australia at just 17. Reflecting on those early years, she acknowledged that young players often play with an uninhibited freedom because they carry no baggage of expectations or past experiences.

“It’s funny. I’m not sure you learn a lot in the early phases because everything’s just so new. You often see young players coming in during their first year, and it looks so easy for them. That’s because they have no expectations, no past experiences to draw from. It’s a lovely time to play because you just take everything in your stride and play with so much freedom.”

Women’s Cricket: From Limited Coverage to Primetime Spotlight

Perry has witnessed firsthand the remarkable transformation of women’s cricket over the past two decades. Early in her career, limited television coverage meant only a handful of matches were broadcast, usually as curtain-raisers for men’s games. Media narratives often revolved around issues of pay disparity and lack of exposure, rather than focusing on the game itself.

“When I first started, hardly any of our matches were televised maybe one or two a year, which were precursors to men’s matches,” Perry recalled. “The reporting always followed the same narrative: ‘Do you wish you were paid more? Do you wish you had more attention?’ It just kept repeating the same storyline about women’s sport.”

Fast forward to 2025, and the change is evident. Every WPL match is now covered extensively, stadiums are packed with over 30,000 fans every night, and women’s cricket is no longer just an emerging sport it’s a mainstream attraction.

“If you fast forward 15, 20 years to now, every match is covered, we’ve got huge crowds at the stadium, and women have the opportunity to work in sport full-time whether as a player, a coach, an administrator, or an executive,” she said.

A Leader at RCB and an Inspiration for Young Cricketers

Since joining RCB in the inaugural WPL season, Perry has naturally taken on a leadership role within the squad. Her experience and composure make her a guiding force for young Indian cricketers looking to make a mark in the league.

“It’s been amazing to see how much domestic talent is coming through. Meeting so many young players, whether at RCB or other franchises, has shown me how big this opportunity is for them,” she noted.

She also highlighted how the overall quality of cricket in WPL continues to rise each season.

“As this tournament progresses, I see more opportunities for young girls playing and coming through, and they’re incredibly talented. It’s a bit scary! Every year I come back, there are new faces pushing the standards even higher.”

The Future of Women’s Cricket is Brighter Than Ever

Ellyse Perry’s reflections serve as a testament to how far women’s cricket has come and how much further it can go. The WPL has become a crucial stepping stone for young cricketers, offering them the exposure, financial security, and competitive platform they need to excel.

For Perry, playing for RCB in front of the Bengaluru crowd is a privilege. The evolution of the game, combined with unwavering fan support, has made her appreciate every moment on the field even more.

With WPL 2025 still unfolding, Perry remains a key player to watch. As she continues to dominate with the bat, inspire young cricketers, and contribute to the growth of the sport, one thing is certain her impact on women’s cricket will be felt for generations to come.