The stage is set for a blockbuster opening to the 2026 Women's Premier League (WPL) season, headlined by a clash of titans and iconic captains. Mumbai Indians (MI) will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Friday, reigniting a fierce rivalry.
From Teammates to Rivals on Historic Ground
The venue holds special significance for Indian cricket fans. It was at this very stadium just two months ago that Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana led India to its greatest triumph in women's cricket, lifting the ODI World Cup. That victory was the culmination of over a decade of hard work. Now, they return as opposition skippers, adding a compelling narrative to the WPL opener.
The head-to-head record is tightly contested, with MI holding a slight 4-3 advantage over RCB. However, RCB has had the upper hand recently, winning three of the last four encounters. A significant factor in those victories was Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry, who played a crucial role, including in the 2024 Eliminator. RCB went on to win their maiden title that season. Her absence this year due to personal reasons presents a major challenge for the Bengaluru-based franchise.
Team Strategies: Stability vs Strategic Buys
The two teams have approached the new season differently. Mumbai Indians, the most successful WPL team with two titles, have focused on stability. They retained the core of their winning XI, including captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur, and G Kamalini. They then splurged more than half their auction purse to buy back star all-rounder Amelia Kerr and added firepower with the likes of Shabnim Ismail and Saika Ishaque.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, on the other hand, will look to their captain Smriti Mandhana to inspire the team in Perry's absence. They will rely on their retained squad and new acquisitions to defend their championship.
Other Teams in the Fray
The UP Warriorz have generated significant buzz with a major squad overhaul, retaining only one player. They strategically used the Right-to-Match (RTM) card to bring back key players like Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Kiran Navgire, and Kranti Gaud, creating a well-rounded unit.
Delhi Capitals, under new captain Jemimah Rodrigues, have bolstered their batting with the additions of South African opener Laura Wolvaardt and West Indian Chinelle Henry, making their line-up look formidable. Former captain Meg Lanning has moved on.
After a revival in the last season where they reached the Eliminator, the Gujarat Giants are aiming to go one step further. Their challenge will be to maintain consistency and avoid frequent changes if they hit a rough patch.
The WPL 2026 promises another season of high-octane cricket, with the opening fixture between MI and RCB setting the tone. Fans can follow all the updates, including the full schedule, live scores, and the Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings, as the battle for supremacy begins.
