WPL 2026 starts from January 9, Aakash Chopra’s prediction on run scoring

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Women’s Premier League 2026: Start date and matches

New Delhi. The new season of the Women’s Premier League is going to start from 9 January 2026. In the opening match, Mumbai Indians will face Royal Challengers Bangalore in Navi Mumbai. This tournament is going to prove to be an exciting platform for women’s cricket.

Aakash Chopra’s predictions

Renowned commentator Aakash Chopra has grabbed everyone’s attention with some claims for the upcoming season. He told that Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Smriti Mandhana and Delhi Capitals’ Shafali Verma can leave other batsmen behind in terms of runs this time. Considering Delhi Capitals as the champion of 2026, Chopra said that his team has been runner-up consecutively in the recent three seasons.

Smriti Mandhana and Shefali Verma contest

Aakash Chopra presented Mandhana as a strong candidate for the Orange Cap (most runs). He said, “I expect Smriti Mandhana to score the most runs this season. She is in great form and is ready to give a great performance for RCB.” However, he also considered Shefali Verma as a contender and said that as an aggressive batsman, she can face a challenge from Mandhana in her playing style.

New captain of Delhi Capitals

This time Delhi Capitals is going to take the field under the leadership of Jemimah Rodrigues. Chopra said, “Delhi has made the finals in the last three years, but they have not been successful in winning the title. However, this time their team looks very balanced and I am confident that they will be successful in lifting their first trophy.”

tournament schedule

Women’s Premier League 2026 will start from January 9, in which the first match will be played between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore. This tournament is organized by Dr. D.Y. of Navi Mumbai. Patil Sports Academy and BCA Stadium in Vadodara. 11 matches will be played in Navi Mumbai from 9 to 17 January. After this, the remaining 11 matches, including the playoffs, will be held in Vadodara.