The fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League promises another decisive leap forward for women’s cricket in India as we look at the WPL 2026 Preview, which which gets underway on January 9.
Defending champions Mumbai Indians will set the tone for the season when they face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening clash at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, a venue that has quickly become synonymous with the league’s most intense contests. Running until early February, WPL 2026 features 22 matches across two venues, Navi Mumbai and Vadodara, before culminating in the Eliminator and final. With India’s women’s team coming off the high of their maiden ODI World Cup triumph, the league also doubles up as a crucial preparatory phase ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, adding another layer of intrigue to an already competitive tournament.
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The league stage will follow a round-robin format, with each of the five teams playing the others twice. The DY Patil Stadium will host the opening 11 matches, including both double-header days scheduled this season. Thereafter, the action shifts to the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, which will stage the remaining nine league games along with the Eliminator and the final.
The compact schedule ensures minimal downtime, rewarding squads with depth and adaptability, especially as conditions change between the true surfaces of Navi Mumbai and the slightly slower tracks expected in Vadodara.
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Five franchises will battle for supremacy: Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz. While the Mumbai Indians enter the season as defending champions and clear favorites, the gap between the teams has narrowed significantly after an eventful auction in November 2025.
UP Warriorz made the biggest statement at the auction, securing Deepti Sharma for a record ₹3.2 crore. Her arrival strengthens an already formidable spin unit featuring Sophie Ecclestone, and under the leadership of Meg Lanning, UPW looks far more balanced than in previous seasons. Their new Banarasi heritage-inspired jersey has also caught attention, symbolizing a fresh identity and renewed ambition.
Mumbai Indians: Chasing a Third Crown
Mumbai Indians, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, boast arguably the most settled squad in the competition. The core remains intact, with Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, and Amelia Kerr forming a world-class all-round trio capable of dominating both phases of the game. The pace attack, spearheaded by Shabnim Ismail, gives MI an edge in powerplay and death overs, while Saika Ishaque and Kerr provide control in the middle.
Their all-female coaching setup has also been a talking point, underlining MI’s long-term commitment to women’s cricket. Anything short of another finals appearance would be a surprise.
Challengers Lining Up
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, under Smriti Mandhana, will once again rely on their top-order firepower and all-round depth. Ellyse Perry remains their biggest match-winner, while Richa Ghosh’s finishing ability and Shreyanka Patil’s growth as an all-rounder add balance. However, consistency has eluded RCB in crunch moments, and addressing that will be key.
Delhi Capitals continue to look formidable on paper. With Jemimah Rodrigues captaining a side that includes Shafali Verma, Meg Lanning, Marizanne Kapp, and Laura Wolvaardt, DC arguably has the strongest top order in the league. Their challenge, as in previous seasons, will be converting league-stage dominance into silverware.
Gujarat Giants, led by Ashleigh Gardner, will aim to move past earlier disappointments. The presence of Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge gives them experience at the top, while Renuka Singh Thakur and Titas Sadhu strengthen the bowling unit. A more cohesive campaign could finally see GG live up to their potential.
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Beyond results, WPL 2026 carries broader significance. With India’s women cricketers returning to action after a historic World Cup win, the league serves as a vital bridge between national success and sustained domestic excellence. Young Indian players such as Shreyanka Patil, Phoebe Litchfield, Kiran Navgire, and Minnu Mani will be keen to seize their moments alongside established international stars.
As the WPL enters its fourth year, the narrative is no longer about promise but about performance. The league has matured, expectations have risen, and margins are thinner than ever. When MI and RCB walk out on January 9, they won’t just be opening another season they’ll be setting the pace for what could be the most competitive WPL yet.
