Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women players Lauren Bell, Nadine de Klerk and Georgia Voll were spotted enjoying a relaxed morning walk in Vadodara on Wednesday, offering fans a rare, off-field glimpse of the cricketers ahead of their Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 commitments.
Quiet outing draws attention
The trio, part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women squad, stepped out with two security personnel for a casual stroll in the city. Though low-key, the sighting quickly caught the attention of locals, many of whom recognised the players and shared photos and short videos on social media.
The players are in Vadodara for Women’s Premier League 2026 matches. For fans, the moment was a pleasant surprise, showing international stars enjoying a calm break away from the pressures of competitive cricket.
Fans welcome candid moment
Social media users described the sighting as refreshing, noting how rarely players are seen in such informal settings during tournament schedules. The walk highlighted a quieter side of the athletes, balancing intense match preparations with brief moments of normalcy.
Safety concerns resurface
The sighting also brought renewed attention to player safety, especially in light of a disturbing incident involving Australian women cricketers in Indore last year. During the Women’s World Cup, two Australian players were reportedly stalked and inappropriately touched by a motorcyclist while walking near their hotel.
Cricket Australia confirmed the incident was immediately reported, and the accused was arrested by local police. The Board of Control for Cricket in India strongly condemned the episode.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia reassured players, stating that India has zero tolerance for such behaviour and that safety protocols would be reviewed and strengthened if required.
Balance between access and security
While fans welcomed the Vadodara sighting warmly, the episode underlined the importance of robust security arrangements for women athletes. As WPL 2026 progresses, ensuring both accessibility and safety remains a key priority for organisers.