RCB vs MI WPL 2026 Preview: Three impact players in focus
As RCB take on MI in WPL 2026, several individual battles could prove decisive. Here are three players whose performances may shape the outcome of this high-profile clash.
Last Updated: 07.59 PM, Jan 08, 2026
Another season of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 is about to start from January 9 in Vadodara and Navi Mumbai. After three seasons, the tournament is back with some talented batters and bowlers who can change the future of the league. The five franchises have made some of the best buys in the mega auction and will be looking forward to having a stellar tournament this season.
Mumbai Indians (MI) have won the title twice while Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have won it once. With the first match starting tomorrow between RCB and MI, we will talk about the three players to watch out for in the game.
Top 3 players to watch out for in RCB vs MI clash
1. Smriti Mandhana
RCB's skipper Smriti Mandhana is one of the best players in the tournament and all eyes will be on her and the team. RCB will look to win the tournament as they have a balanced team. Meanwhile, Mandhana is in great form as seen in the previous series against Sri Lanka women.
She opened the batting for India and played some great knocks in the series. In the WPL, she has played in 26 games and scored 646 runs, including four half-centuries. This will be an important season for her after winning the ODI World Cup 2025.
2. Harmanpreet Kaur
MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur will be looking forward to leading the team in one more season. She is already the most successful skipper in the league with two trophies under her name. She has scored 851 runs in 27 innings at an average of 40.52. Moreover, Harmanpreet played at a strike rate of above 140+ that speaks volumes about her batting performance.
Apart from a batter, her leadership skills are always on point, taking some crucial decisions at important times. She is an incredible batter and will be interesting to see how the things will work out for the players in the tournament.
3. Hayley Matthews
Hayley Matthews has been one of the best all-rounders in the tournament, taking wickets and scoring runs. In just 29 games, she has scored 758 runs and taken 41 wickets. Playing for MI in the league, she is also the leading wicket-taker in WPL with 41 wickets.
She will play a huge impact in this season as well since MI will need someone like her to score runs and take wickets as well. Moreover, she has also scored five half-centuries as well.
Where to watch WPL 2026 matches?
Cricket fans in India can watch the WPL 2026 matches from January 9 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.