'We were very good, but came little too late' - Mike Hesson reflects on RCB's WPL campaign

Royal Challengers Bangalore's campaign ended with just two wins from eight group-stage games in the inaugural edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL). Considering the high expectations from the franchise, it was an abysmal performance from the Smriti Mandhana-led team. 

They lost their first five games and spent much of their time at the bottom of the league table. They got to winning ways with back-to-back wins against UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants, but those were overshadowed by a big defeat against Mumbai Indians in their final game.

Mandhana and Renuka Singh struggled throughout the tournament but overseas stars Ellyse Perry, Sophie Devine, and Heather Knight were at the top of their game. RCB's Director of Cricket Mike Hesson feels that the team's wins came very late and believes that the slow start to the season was due to a lack of contribution from the senior players.

"I think we were slow to start, I don't think as a playing group we got enough out of our senior players. When it is a short tournament like this, if you are out of form, then it is hard to get yourself back in. When we played at our best, we were very good, but unfortunately, that came a little too late," Mike Hesson told RCB Match Day.

We were a long way away from what's expected from RCB: Mike Hesson

Prior to the tournament, RCB were tipped to lift the title with the big names from world cricket and some talented youngsters forming a balanced squad. But they lacked cohesion, which led to a disappointing campaign. However, the former New Zealand coach has backed RCB to come back stronger next year and added that the team will try to get better in every aspect of the game.

"I really liked the fact that everyone stuck together, but also as a group, we were a long way away from what's expected from RCB. The WPL next year will be better standard than this year. We have to use the next 10-11 months, to get better in every aspect of the game. We have to be fitter, faster and stronger. We are all in this together," Hesson added.