The 2026 Women’s Premier League starts with a meeting of two title winners. Mumbai Indians, a two-time champion, have kept Hayley Matthews and Nat Sciver-Brunt at the top of the order. With Yastika Bhatia unavailable, Matthews needs a new opening partner, and Amelia Kerr is a strong candidate. Sciver-Brunt should bat at three, Harmanpreet Kaur anchors the middle order and Amanjot Kaur is expected at five, while Nicola Carey and Kerr compete as bowling all-rounders.
Shabnim Ismail and Sciver-Brunt are set to lead the attack, with Matthews offering steady support, and Sanjeevan Sanjana and Sanskriti Gupta provide help lower down. The overseas contingent gives the side depth and flexibility.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, captained by Smriti Mandhana, won the 2024 title and have made major squad changes. Without Ellyse Perry they need a dependable number three, with Georgia Voll and Grace Harris the leading options, while Richa Ghosh remains a key finisher at four. Pooja Vastrakar and Shreyanka Patil will matter with bat and ball, and Lauren Bell or Linsey Smith could join Radha Yadav and Arundhati Reddy in the bowling mix.
