With the euphoria of India’s landmark 2025 ODI World Cup triumph still fresh, the spotlight now shifts decisively to the shortest and most volatile format of the game. The fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), beginning on January 9, 2026, arrives at a moment when women’s cricket is undergoing rapid tactical and leadership evolution. Here’s a WPL 2026 preview.
If the first three seasons of the WPL were defined by dominance particularly from Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals the 2026 edition promises disruption. Leadership changes, deeper squads, and sharper role clarity across franchises suggest that this could be the most open and competitive season yet.
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The most significant storyline heading into WPL 2026 is the reshaping of leadership, particularly at Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz.
For three consecutive seasons, Meg Lanning guided Delhi Capitals to the final, only to fall at the last hurdle each time. Those campaigns were marked by consistency and control, but also by an inability to cross the final barrier. In a decisive move aimed at redefining their identity, Delhi have handed over the captaincy to Jemimah Rodrigues.
Fresh off a standout ODI World Cup, Jemimah represents a generational shift. Her appointment signals a move towards a more aggressive, instinctive brand of leadership one that aligns closely with the evolving demands of T20 cricket. For a franchise keen to shed its “nearly team” label, this transition could prove transformative.
In a twist few anticipated, Lanning remains very much in the WPL spotlight. The former Australia captain has taken charge of UP Warriorz, replacing Alyssa Healy. For a side that has struggled to string together consistent performances, Lanning’s arrival brings structure, clarity, and a proven winning blueprint. Watching her lead UP against Delhi the team she once shaped will be one of the defining narratives of the season.
Mumbai Indians: Still the Benchmark
While leadership changes dominate the conversation elsewhere, Mumbai Indians (MI) have chosen continuity. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, the defending champions enter WPL 2026 as the undisputed standard-bearers.
Having secured their second title in 2025, MI retained their core and resisted the temptation to overhaul. With Amelia Kerr and Nat Sciver-Brunt the 2025 Player of the Tournament operating at peak efficiency, Mumbai possess unmatched balance across departments. Their strength lies not just in star power, but in clearly defined roles and tactical flexibility. If any side is capable of achieving a historic three-peat, it is MI.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Seeking Redemption
After tasting glory in 2024, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) endured a dip in 2025 that exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in the death overs. Under Smriti Mandhana, the franchise has responded by strengthening its bowling resources and reworking its middle order.
RCB’s squad for 2026 looks more complete less reliant on top-order bursts and better equipped to control matches in the latter stages. If they rediscover the ruthless edge that defined their title-winning campaign, RCB could re-establish themselves as a genuine threat.
Gujarat Giants: The Emerging Disruptors
Perhaps the most intriguing contenders are the Gujarat Giants (GG). Under Ashleigh Gardner, the Giants have steadily evolved from early-season underachievers into a tactically astute unit. Their first playoff appearance last year marked a turning point.
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The addition of proven match-winners such as Sophie Devine and Renuka Singh adds both firepower and control. Gujarat may not yet command the aura of Mumbai or Delhi, but they possess the tools to unsettle any side with the classic profile of a dark horse capable of reshaping the knockout picture.
The tournament will be split between Navi Mumbai and Vadodara, with contrasting conditions likely to influence strategies. Early matches in Mumbai are expected to favor batting, rewarding teams that maximize powerplay scoring. As the tournament moves to Vadodara where the Eliminator and Final will be staged on February 5, slower surfaces could bring spinners and tactical adaptability into sharper focus.
WPL 2026 arrives at a fascinating crossroads. Veteran leaders like Harmanpreet Kaur and Meg Lanning now coexist with a new leadership generation led by Jemimah Rodrigues. Squad depth across franchises has narrowed the gap that once separated contenders from challengers. Whether Mumbai can extend their dominance or a new champion emerges, one thing is clear: the WPL has never been more competitive. In a league increasingly defined by fine margins, tactical intelligence and leadership clarity may prove just as decisive as individual brilliance.
