WPL 2026 Kicks Off as Mumbai Indians Eye Third Title

India’s women cricketers, fresh off their maiden ODI World Cup victory, are set to return to competitive action as the fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) kicks off in Navi Mumbai this Friday. This tournament will serve as the starting point for preparations leading up to the T20 World Cup in England later this year.

Defending champions, the Mumbai Indians, will begin their campaign against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the DY Patil Stadium, a venue renowned for its support of Indian women’s cricket. Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, the Mumbai Indians enter this season as the most successful franchise in WPL history, having claimed two titles, while RCB remains the only other team to have won the championship.

The WPL 2026 season will take place across two venues: Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. This setup will provide a competitive platform for both Indian and international players as they gear up for the global event. The tournament is anticipated to play a vital role in shaping team compositions and strategies for the T20 World Cup.

The Mumbai Indians have a strong lineup, featuring England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews, and New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr. Their batting depth is further enhanced by Australian talent Milly Illingworth and Indian all-rounder Amanjot Kaur. The bowling unit will be spearheaded by pace bowler Shabnim Ismail, while Saika Ishaque aims to regain her form after an impressive debut season.

The Delhi Capitals, who have been finalists in all three preceding editions, will be led by Jemimah Rodrigues following Meg Lanning’s transfer to UP Warriorz. With players like Shafali Verma, Sneh Rana, and international stars Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, and Alana King, DC hopes to secure its first trophy this season.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will depend on the leadership and batting prowess of skipper Smriti Mandhana, especially in the absence of Ellyse Perry. The squad also includes Georgia Voll, Grace Harris, Nadine de Klerk, and wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, providing RCB with significant offensive potential.

The Gujarat Giants, led by Ashleigh Gardner, and a rejuvenated UP Warriorz squad under Meg Lanning, are also expected to pose strong challenges as the Women’s Premier League enters another exciting season.