Indians
Royal Challengers
What sets WPL 2026 apart is the complete overhaul of teams following the first mega auction since the league's launch in 2023. Franchises could retain a maximum of five players, leading to strategic decisions that balanced experience with new blood. Mumbai Indians, led by the ever-reliable Harmanpreet Kaur, retained key performers like Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amelia Kerr, who played pivotal roles in their 2025 title win. Kerr, in fact, was one of the top buys in the auction history, fetching around Rs 3 crore in previous dealings, and her all-round abilities make MI strong contenders for a third trophy. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, under the graceful leadership of Smriti Mandhana, held onto stars like Ellyse Perry (though some reports note withdrawals due to personal reasons in past seasons, the core remains solid), aiming to defend their emotional 2024 triumph. Delhi Capitals, who have heartbreakingly finished runners-up in all three previous finals, retained talents like Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues (now captain in some updates), and Marizanne Kapp, with new additions like Chinelle Henry adding firepower. Gujarat Giants went aggressive, snapping up Sophie Devine for Rs 2 crore and building around Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney. Meanwhile, UP Warriorz made headlines by securing Deepti Sharma for a whopping Rs 3.2 crore using their Right-to-Match card, pairing her with international stars like Meg Lanning as captain and Shikha Pandey, signaling their intent to finally break into the playoffs.
Looking back at the league's short but impactful history provides context for why expectations are sky-high this season. The inaugural WPL in 2023 saw Mumbai Indians dominate, beating Delhi Capitals by seven wickets in the final at Brabourne Stadium, with Hayley Matthews shining brightly by taking the Purple Cap with 16 wickets. In 2024, Royal Challengers Bengaluru turned the tables, chasing down a modest total against DC in a low-scoring thriller at Arun Jaitley Stadium to claim their maiden title, breaking years of near-misses in franchise cricket. Mumbai Indians reclaimed the crown in 2025, edging DC by eight runs in another tense final, where Nat Sciver-Brunt's all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Tournament award with 523 runs and crucial wickets, while Amelia Kerr topped the bowling charts with 18 scalps. Across these three seasons, Delhi Capitals have been the most consistent side, reaching every final but falling short each time—a record that adds extra motivation for them in 2026. Overall stats from past editions highlight the league's high-scoring nature: totals frequently crossing 200, with power-hitters thriving and bowlers relying on variations to contain explosive batting line-ups. The WPL has already produced over 60 matches filled with sixes, tight finishes, and emerging Indian talents rubbing shoulders with global stars.
The opening day itself is a celebration of women's cricket's rise in India. The ceremony at DY Patil Stadium, starting around 6:30 PM IST before the 7:30 PM match, features electrifying performances by rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh, Bollywood dancer Jacqueline Fernandez, and former Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu, blending music, dance, and inspiration to set an energetic tone. Light shows and pyrotechnics will light up the night, drawing packed crowds and millions watching live on Star Sports Network and streaming on JioHotstar. This glamour-infused start reflects how the WPL has evolved from a nascent league to a cultural phenomenon, inspiring young girls across the country to dream big in sport.
Delving deeper into the teams, Mumbai Indians enter as favorites, boasting a balanced squad with Harmanpreet Kaur's aggressive captaincy, Sciver-Brunt's consistency, and Kerr's spin wizardry. Their retention strategy kept the core intact, allowing targeted buys in the auction to plug any gaps. RCB, with Mandhana's elegant batting at the top and a mix of youth and experience, will look to build on their 2024 success, even if some overseas stars adjust. Delhi Capitals' perennial finalist tag comes with pressure, but players like Shafali Verma's explosive starts and Kapp's seam bowling make them dangerous. New captaincy dynamics could spark a breakthrough. Gujarat Giants, often the underperformers, have invested heavily in all-rounders like Devine and Gardner, hoping for better synergy this time. UP Warriorz's bold rebuild around Deepti Sharma's off-spin and Lanning's tactical acumen positions them as dark horses, especially with aggressive bidders securing pace and power.
The schedule promises non-stop action, with most games in prime-time evening slots for maximum viewership, and a couple of afternoon double-headers on January 10 and 17 adding variety. Each team plays eight league matches (home and away against others), accumulating points for the top-four race—the leader goes straight to the final, while second and third battle in the Eliminator. This format has delivered drama in past seasons, with close points tables and nail-biting qualifiers.
Beyond the on-field battles, WPL 2026 continues to empower women's cricket. Emerging uncapped players like young prodigies bought in the auction get platforms to shine alongside internationals, fostering talent pipelines for the Indian team. Stats from previous years show Indian players dominating run charts and wicket tallies in many games, proving the league's role in bridging domestic and international gaps. With India's recent successes on the global stage, this season feels even more significant—players returning from triumphs carry confidence that could translate into fierce performances.
Players to watch include Harmanpreet Kaur, whose leadership and big-match temperament are unmatched; Smriti Mandhana, aiming for consistency after elegant starts; Deepti Sharma, now the costliest in history, expected to dominate with bat and ball; and overseas aces like Sciver-Brunt and Gardner, who change games single-handedly. Youngsters and surprise auction picks could steal the show, as seen in past editions with breakout stars.
As the tournament unfolds over the next month, expect records to tumble—highest team totals, fastest centuries, most wickets in a season—and stories of resilience to emerge. Whether it's Mumbai chasing history with a third title, RCB defending their crown, or outsiders like UPW upsetting the apple cart, WPL 2026 has all the makings of a classic. Cricket lovers, grab your popcorn: the women's game in India is at its entertaining best, inspiring a generation while delivering world-class T20 action. This is more than a league; it's a movement that's here to stay and grow stronger.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026
1. When does WPL 2026 start and end?
The tournament kicks off on January 9, 2026, with the opening match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The league stage runs until February 1, followed by the Eliminator on February 3 and the grand final on February 5, 2026, in Vadodara.
2. Where are the matches being played?
The season is split across two venues: The first 11 matches (from January 9 to 17) are at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The remaining 11 matches, including the Eliminator and final, are at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium (also known as Kotambi Stadium) in Vadodara.
3. How many teams are participating in WPL 2026?
There are five teams: Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), Gujarat Giants (GG), and UP Warriorz (UPW).
4. Who are the captains of the teams?
- Mumbai Indians: Harmanpreet Kaur
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Smriti Mandhana
- Delhi Capitals: Jemimah Rodrigues (new captain this season)
- Gujarat Giants: Ashleigh Gardner (or Beth Mooney, depending on updates)
- UP Warriorz: Meg Lanning (new captain, with strong Indian core including Deepti Sharma)
5. What is the format of the tournament?
It's a double round-robin league stage where each team plays the other four teams twice, for a total of 22 matches. The top team qualifies directly for the final. The second and third-placed teams play in the Eliminator, with the winner advancing to face the top team in the final.
6. Who won the previous WPL seasons?
- 2023: Mumbai Indians (beat Delhi Capitals by 7 wickets)
- 2024: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (beat Delhi Capitals by 8 wickets)
- 2025: Mumbai Indians (beat Delhi Capitals by 8 runs) – making MI two-time champions and DC three-time runners-up.
Key stats from 2025: Nat Sciver-Brunt scored 523 runs (Orange Cap and Player of the Tournament), while Amelia Kerr took 18 wickets (Purple Cap).
7. What happened in the WPL 2026 mega auction?
The first mega auction since the league started was held on November 27, 2025, in New Delhi. Franchises retained a limited number of players (MI and DC kept 5 each, others fewer). Big buys included Deepti Sharma (Rs 3.2 crore to UP Warriorz via RTM, the costliest pick), along with stars like Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine, and Meg Lanning. Teams spent over Rs 40 crore to rebuild squads with a mix of Indian and overseas talent.
8. Who are some players to watch this season?
Look out for Harmanpreet Kaur and Nat Sciver-Brunt (MI), Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry (RCB), Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues (DC), Ashleigh Gardner (GG), and Deepti Sharma plus Meg Lanning (UPW). Emerging uncapped players and new overseas signings could also shine.
9. Was there an opening ceremony?
Yes! On January 9 at DY Patil Stadium, before the first match. It featured high-energy performances by rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh, Bollywood dancer Jacqueline Fernandez, and former Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu, with light shows and celebrations highlighting women's empowerment in sport.
10. Where can I watch WPL 2026 matches?
All matches are broadcast live on the Star Sports Network in India. Free streaming is available on the JioHotstar (or JioCinema) app and website. Most games start in the evening (7:30 PM IST), with a few double-headers having afternoon starts (around 3:30 PM IST).
11. Are there double-headers this season?
Yes, for the first time in a while, there are double-headers on select days (like January 10 and 17 in Navi Mumbai) to fit the schedule and boost viewership.
12. Why is WPL 2026 special?
Coming right after India's successes in women's cricket, this season features reshaped teams from the mega auction, new captains, and a mix of global stars with homegrown talent. It's growing bigger, inspiring more young players, and delivering exciting T20 action.
If you have more questions as the tournament progresses, keep following – this season promises plenty of thrills, big hits, and close contests! Enjoy the cricket!
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