New Delhi: The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is set to commence on January 9, with the defending champions, the Mumbai Indians, scheduled to face the 2024 winners, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, in Navi Mumbai.
This edition of the tournament spans 28 days and consists of 22 matches, taking place at two venues: the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. Notably, this is the first time the WPL will be held during a January-February window, following previous editions in February and March.
The tournament will continue until February 5, marking another first: the WPL final will occur on a Thursday, deviating from the customary weekend scheduling. This change aims to prevent any conflict with the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7.
Teams are preparing diligently, hoping for standout performances from their players to vie for the championship. Below are five key players to watch during WPL 2026.
1 – Shafali Verma: The explosive opener for Delhi Capitals, Shafali Verma, is emerging as a player to watch. A late addition to the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 squad, she made headlines with a match-winning performance, scoring 87 runs and taking two wickets in the final. Known for her aggressive batting style, Verma has the capability to change the dynamics of a match quickly, particularly in the powerplay overs.
2 – Smriti Mandhana: The captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Smriti Mandhana, has consistently showcased exceptional form over the past two years, leading the run charts in ODI cricket for both 2024 and 2025. As an elegant left-handed batter, her experience, leadership skills, and ability to deliver substantial innings have been pivotal to RCB’s success, including their title-winning campaign.
3 – Deepti Sharma: UP Warriorz’s all-rounder, Deepti Sharma, enters the tournament in excellent form, having been awarded Player of the Tournament in the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 after scoring 215 runs and taking 22 wickets. Sharma is a reliable performer, contributing effectively in batting, bowling, and fielding. Her consistency and strategic insight make her a crucial asset in tight matches.
4 – Ashleigh Gardner: The captain of Gujarat Giants, Ashleigh Gardner, is recognized among the top all-rounders in world cricket. With her aggressive batting and effective off-spin bowling, Gardner can significantly influence games, whether through quick runs or vital breakthroughs. Her role as an influential overseas player adds further depth to the WPL.
5 – Laura Wolvaardt: Recently acquired by Delhi Capitals, Laura Wolvaardt is expected to play a vital role at the top of the batting order. Her extensive leadership experience may provide valuable support to the young captain, Jemimah Rodrigues. Known for her composure and classical batting technique, Wolvaardt is adept at anchoring innings while maintaining an impressive strike rate, making her essential for successful chases and on challenging pitches.
