The fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League is no longer a countdown on the calendar; WPL 2026 is officially underway.
From January 9 to February 5, Navi Mumbai and Vadodara become the epicenters of women’s franchise cricket, hosting a tournament that has steadily evolved into one of the most competitive leagues in the global women’s game.
As the season begins, the questions are sharper and the margins thinner. Can the Mumbai Indians complete a historic three-peat? Will Royal Challengers Bengaluru rediscover their title-winning rhythm? Is this finally the year the Delhi Capitals shed their “nearly” tag? Or could a revamped UP Warriorz or an emerging Gujarat Giants script a fresh chapter?
Mumbai Indians: The Gold Standard
Mumbai Indians enter WPL 2026 as the benchmark franchise. Defending champions and two-time winners, they have followed a clear philosophy: continuity over overhaul. Harmanpreet Kaur continues to lead a settled core that includes Natalie Sciver-Brunt and Amelia Kerr, the 2025 Player of the Tournament.
What separates Mumbai from the rest is not just quality but composure. They have repeatedly shown an ability to absorb pressure, recover from setbacks, and close out tight games. Their squad balance power at the top, depth in the middle order, and match-winning bowlers make them the safest bet to reach the playoffs once again. If there is a weakness, it is simply the burden of expectation that comes with sustained dominance.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: The Star Power Paradox
Royal Challengers Bengaluru remains the league’s most emotionally backed side. Under Smriti Mandhana, RCB combine flair, fanfare, and attacking cricket, but consistency has often eluded them. WPL 2026 presents another opportunity to change that narrative.
The absence of Ellyse Perry for personal reasons is a significant blow, stripping the side of experience and balance. In response, RCB have focused on strengthening their finishing resources, with players like Pooja Vastrakar expected to play a bigger role. Mandhana’s form will be central a strong start from the captain could set the tone for the entire campaign. On their day, RCB can beat any side; the challenge is doing it repeatedly over a short, unforgiving league.
Delhi Capitals: Breaking the Final Barrier?
No team carries more emotional baggage into WPL 2026 than Delhi Capitals. They have reached every final in the league’s history, yet the trophy cabinet remains empty. This season, Delhi have opted for a leadership reset, handing the captaincy to Jemimah Rodrigues a move that signals trust in a younger, more expressive approach.
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On paper, Delhi looks formidable. The top order featuring Shafali Verma and Laura Wolvaardt offers both aggression and precision, while the middle order has greater stability than in previous seasons. Several analysts believe this combination makes Delhi the most complete side in the league. Whether that translates into knockout success remains the defining question.
UP Warriorz: The Ultimate Glow-Up
If one team appears dramatically transformed, it is the UP Warriorz. After an underwhelming 2025 campaign, they entered the auction with intent and clarity. The signing of Deepti Sharma for a record ₹3.2 crore was a statement move, but the real masterstroke was bringing in Meg Lanning.
Lanning’s presence alone changes the complexion of the side. Leading a squad that includes Sophie Ecclestone and Shikha Pandey, the Warriorz suddenly possess tactical clarity, leadership depth, and match-winning experience. From being inconsistent challengers, they have emerged as genuine title contenders almost overnight.
Gujarat Giants: The Quiet Disruptors
Gujarat Giants continue to fly under the radar, but WPL 2026 could be their moment. With Ashleigh Gardner and Sophie Devine anchoring the squad, Gujarat boast one of the most explosive all-round combinations in the league. Their batting can dismantle attacks quickly, and their leadership group has matured through previous seasons.
The key for Gujarat lies in bowling consistency. If they can tighten execution in pressure phases, they are well-equipped to upset the established order and force their way into the playoffs.
Mumbai Indians may still carry the aura of champions, but momentum across the league feels more evenly distributed than ever. Delhi Capitals appear primed for a breakthrough, UP Warriorz have reinvented themselves with authority, RCB remain dangerous despite setbacks, and Gujarat Giants have the tools to surprise.
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At this stage, predicting a winner feels premature. WPL 2026 is shaping up to be a season where form, fitness, and decision-making on key days will outweigh reputation. Ultimately, the trophy will go not to the loudest favorite, but to the side that adapts quickest, handles pressure best, and peaks when it matters most.
