The third season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to begin on January 9, 2026, with a blockbuster opener between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). This season, all 22 matches will be hosted across Navi Mumbai and Vadodara, with the final scheduled at Vadodara’s BCA Stadium, Kotambi. Cricket fans’ attention will be firmly on RCB captain Smriti Mandhana and Delhi Capitals’ new skipper Jemimah Rodrigues, promising an intense battle of runs and leadership.
Smriti Mandhana: The Run Machine and Experienced Leader
RCB’s Smriti Mandhana has left an indelible mark in WPL cricket. In 26 matches, she has amassed 646 runs at an average of 24.84 with a strike rate of 128.68. Mandhana particularly excels against Delhi Capitals, scoring 242 runs at an impressive 34.57 average. Her career-best score of 81 came in 2025 against Delhi in Vadodara.
Mandhana shines in winning causes; in 11 victorious matches, her average jumps to 33.45 with a strike rate of 135.29. She is particularly effective while chasing targets, boasting a 28.61 batting average in such situations. With her wealth of experience, Mandhana’s calm leadership and consistency make her RCB’s backbone.
Jemimah Rodrigues: Delhi’s New Hope and Aggressive Batswoman
For Jemimah Rodrigues, this season is special as she leads Delhi Capitals for the first time. In 27 matches, she has scored 507 runs at an average of 28.16, slightly behind Mandhana in total runs, but her explosive strike rate of 139.66 makes her a constant threat. Rodrigues has enjoyed remarkable success against Mumbai Indians, scoring 192 runs at a striking 161.34 rate.
Unlike Mandhana, Rodrigues prefers batting in the first innings, where her average rises to 33.77. In Delhi’s 17 wins, her contributions have been crucial, averaging 36.12, reflecting her ability to deliver under pressure.
The Big Challenge for WPL 2026
Statistically, Smriti Mandhana brings a wealth of runs and seasoned captaincy, while Jemimah Rodrigues combines aggressive strokeplay with fresh leadership. Mandhana has recorded four half-centuries, while Rodrigues has three to her name. Both are pivotal to their teams’ fortunes, and it will be fascinating to see how these two stars strategize on the pitches of Vadodara and Navi Mumbai. The big question remains: Will Jemimah guide Delhi to their first WPL title, or will Smriti continue RCB’s dominance?
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