Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 All set to electrify the cricket world as it enters its fourth blockbuster season 9 JanuaryThis edition promises a new competitive edge following a high-stakes mega auction and the relocation of the historic site Navi Mumbai And Vadodara,
defending champion Mumbai Indians (MI) The tournament will open in a high-octane opener against 2024 winners Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the DY Patil Stadium. With five world-class franchises competing across 22 matches, the league is cementing its position as the premier global platform for women’s T20 cricket. Fans are especially eager to see whether a new leader or recurring powerhouse will claim the trophy 5th February Vadodara in the final.
Aakash Chopra chosen the winner of WPL 2026
Former Indian cricketer and analyst Aakash Chopra has made a bold prediction tipping Delhi Capitals (DC) To finally secure their first title in 2026. Despite reaching the final in all the last three seasons, DC have struggled at the final hurdle, losing twice to Mumbai and once to RCB.
Chopra, in JioStar’s ‘TATA WPL 2026 Predictions’, said the Capitals have “built a very good team” and deserve to have their illusions broken after being back-to-back finalists. This year, the team moved away from the experienced leadership of Meg Lanning and entered a new era jemima rodriguesThe young Indian star is riding a bullish wave after his “instant classic” 127 runs on 134 balls* In the 2025 World Cup semi-final against Australia, which helped India chase down a record-breaking 339 runs and ultimately win the world title.
“I think Delhi Capitals will win this time. They have made a very good team and they have reached the finals all three times. Let them win once.” Chopra said on Star Sports.
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Orange Cap race in WPL 2026
When it comes to individual talent, Chopra identified the RCB captain Smriti Mandhana As the “frontrunner” to win the Orange Cap by scoring the most runs in this season. Mandhana has been having a stellar 2025 calendar year, where she became the first woman to score 1,700+ runs in a single year across all formats, having recently crossed 10,000 international runs. While his WPL average of 24.84 has been modest compared to his international standards, his recent form, which has included centuries in all three formats in 2025 – suggests a major breakout season is imminent.
However, Chopra immediately revealed the name of the DC opener. Shafali Verma As a powerful threat to Mandhana’s ambitions. Shafali is currently the fourth-highest run-scorer in WPL history with 865 runs at a whopping strike rate of 162.59, and after ending 2025 with a T20I average of 52.12, she remains Delhi Arsenal’s most explosive weapon.
“I think RCB captain Smriti Mandhana can score the most runs in this WPL season. Smriti Mandhana can be the frontrunner to win the Orange Cap and she can also win it. Along with her, I think Shafali Verma, who will open for Delhi Capitals, can also be a strong contender.”
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
