The wait is finally over! As the winter sun sets over Navi Mumbai, the cricketing world is buzzing with an energy that only the Women’s Premier League can provide. Following India’s historic maiden ODI World Cup victory in late 2025, the appetite for women’s cricket has reached a fever pitch.
Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, our wpl 2026 first match preview is here to ensure you don’t miss a single beat of the action. This year, the stakes are higher, the squads are deeper, and the rivalries are more intense than ever before.
UNSTOPPABLE! WPL 2026 First Match Preview: MI vs
The fourth edition of the TATA WPL kicks off with a heavyweight clash that feels like a final in itself. On Friday, January 9, 2026, the defending champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), will face off against the 2024 winners, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This wpl 2026 first match preview highlights a battle between the two most successful franchises in the tournament’s history, setting the tone for what promises to be a month of high-octane entertainment.
Match Details: When and Where to Watch
Before we dive into the tactical battles, here are the essential facts you need for your calendar. The wpl 2026 first match preview confirms that the tournament will maintain its elite standard with a grand opening in Navi Mumbai.
| Feature | Details |
| Match | Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Date | Friday, January 9, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST (Pre-match ceremony begins at 6:30 PM) |
| Venue | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai |
| Broadcaster | Viacom18 (JioCinema & Sports18) |
The opening night will also feature a star-studded pre-match show. Fans at the stadium will be treated to performances by Yo Yo Honey Singh and Jacqueline Fernandez, celebrating the “Unstoppable” rise of women in sport. Including these details in our wpl 2026 first match preview ensures you know exactly when to tune in for the full experience.
Team News: New Faces and Notable Absentees
As part of this wpl 2026 first match preview, we must address the major personnel shifts following the 2025 mega-auction. The rosters have undergone significant surgery, creating new dynamics that captains Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana must navigate.
Mumbai Indians: The Quest for a Hat-trick
The defending champions, led by India’s World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur, have managed to retain their core. However, the addition of Amelia Kerr at a staggering ₹3 crore in the auction has made their middle order even more formidable. MI’s mindset remains clear: they want a third title. This wpl 2026 first match preview notes that their bowling attack, spearheaded by Shabnim Ismail and Saika Ishaque, looks as lethal as ever.
RCB: Life Without Ellyse Perry
The biggest shock in this wpl 2026 first match preview is the absence of RCB legend Ellyse Perry, who has opted out of the 2026 season for personal reasons. Replacing her is the talented Indian all-rounder Sayali Satghare. While Perry’s absence is a blow, RCB has bolstered their domestic strength by acquiring Pooja Vastrakar (₹85 lakh) and Radha Yadav (₹65 lakh), providing Smriti Mandhana with a more balanced Indian core to work with.
Key Player Battles to Watch
Every great match is won in the small moments. Our wpl 2026 first match preview identifies three crucial matchups that will decide the outcome on January 9:
- Smriti Mandhana vs. Shabnim Ismail: The RCB skipper’s ability to handle the express pace of Ismail during the powerplay will be decisive.
- Harmanpreet Kaur vs. Shreyanka Patil: The “Queen of the Sweep” against the clever off-spin of Shreyanka is a tactical chess match fans should keep an eye on.
- Richa Ghosh vs. Amelia Kerr: In the death overs, the finishing prowess of Ghosh against the guile of Kerr’s leg-spin could turn the game on its head.
A deep dive into the wpl 2026 first match preview suggests that the DY Patil pitch traditionally favors the batters early on, but as the humidity kicks in, the spinners will find more purchase. Expect a high-scoring thriller with a par score of around 170.
Here are the complete squads for the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the 2026 WPL season, including the new additions from the mega auction:
Mumbai Indians (MI) Full Squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur, G Kamalini, Amelia Kerr, Shabnim Ismail, Sanskriti Gupta, Sajeevan Sajana, Rahila Firdous, Nicola Carey, Poonam Khemnar, Triveni Vasistha, Nalla Reddy, Saika Ishaque, Milly Illingworth, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Ayushi Soni.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Full Squad: Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil, Georgia Voll, Nadine de Klerk, Radha Yadav, Lauren Bell, Linsey Smith, Prema Rawat, Arundhati Reddy, Pooja Vastrakar, Grace Harris, Gautami Naik, Prathyoosha Kumar, Dayalan Hemalatha, Sayali Satghare (Replacement for Ellyse Perry).
Final Verdict: Who Wins the Opener?
As we wrap up this wpl 2026 first match preview, the momentum seems to be slightly in favor of the Mumbai Indians. Their experience in high-pressure openers and the continuity of their leadership group give them a slight edge over a re-tooled RCB side missing their talismanic Aussie, Perry.
However, never count out the “Bold” spirit of Bengaluru. With Mandhana coming off a stellar domestic season, RCB will be desperate to spoil the defending champions’ party. This wpl 2026 first match preview predicts a nail-biting finish that goes down to the final over.
The 2026 season is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of how far women’s cricket has come. With a total of 22 matches scheduled across Navi Mumbai and Vadodara, the journey begins here. Make sure you use this wpl 2026 first match preview to prep your fantasy teams and settle the debates with your friends before the first ball is bowled!
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