BY MAHADEV DESAI
Weeks after Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifted the Women’s Premier League 2026 trophy, the tournament still stands as one of the most memorable editions in the league’s short history. Packed with drama, star power, and record-breaking performances, the season brought together five franchises—Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz.
This year’s tournament was structured across two vibrant cricketing centers, giving fans in different regions a chance to witness world‑class women’s cricket up close. The first leg, comprising the opening match and the initial 11 games, was hosted at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, a venue known for its lively crowds and electric atmosphere. The action then shifted to Vadodara, where the Kotambi Stadium staged the remaining 11 matches, including the high‑stakes Eliminator and the much‑anticipated Final.
Across these 22 matches, the WPL showcased a compelling blend of seasoned stars and rising talents. Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Sophie Ecclestone, Ashleigh Gardner, and a host of young Indian players delivered performances that kept fans glued to their screens and stadium seats.
As the tournament progressed, two teams emerged as the most consistent: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC). Their paths to the final reflected contrasting narratives. RCB, under Mandhana’s calm leadership, played with a sense of assurance and tactical clarity. Delhi Capitals, appearing in their fourth consecutive final, once again demonstrated their ability to dominate the league stage, even as the weight of past three heartbreaks lingered.
The final in Vadodara, on February 5, lived up to its expectations, delivering a high-scoring, dramatic showdown. Delhi Capitals posted a formidable 203/4, the highest first‑innings total ever recorded in a WPL final. Captain Jeremiah Rodrigues and Laura Volvaardt scored brisk 57 and 44 respectively in a 76-run partnership. But RCB responded with a chase that will be remembered as one of the great batting efforts in women’s franchise cricket. Captain Mandhana’s blistering 87 off 41 balls, combined with Georgia Voll’s elegant 79 off 54, powered a record 165‑run partnership that broke Delhi’s momentum and ignited the stadium. With two balls to spare, RCB crossed the finish line, sealing a six‑wicket victory and lifting their second WPL trophy.
For Delhi, it was another painful near‑miss. For RCB, it was a moment of vindication and celebration. And for the fans in Vadodara, it was a night of cricketing duel they will not soon forget. RCB is the first franchise to win both WPL and IPL titles.
Awards:
Smriti Mandhana won the Orange Cap after scoring 377 runs in 9 matches. She also won the Player of the Match Award.
Gujarat Giants all-rounder Sophie Devine won the Purple Cap, for taking 17 wkts.in 9 matches. She also won the MVP (Most Valuable Player) Award, for scoring 243 runs and taking 17 wkts.
Delhi Capitals medium pacer Nandani Sharma was named the Emerging Player of the Season for taking 17 wkts. including a hat-trick!
Beyond the records and trophies however, the 2026 WPL season carried a deeper significance. The quality of cricket, the depth of talent, and the enthusiasm of the crowds all pointed to a sport in full bloom. The league has become a platform where young Indian players play with global stars, learn from them, and rise to meet international standards. It has also become a space where women’s cricket commands prime‑time attention, commercial investment, sponsorship, and passionate fan engagement.
As the season concluded on a high note in Vadodara, one thing became clear: the WPL is not just a tournament—it is a movement. Its success augurs well for the future of women’s cricket in India, promising a stronger national team, a wider talent pool from different corners of India, and a generation of girls who can now dream of professional cricket with confidence and pride.
Cover photo credit: Women’s Premier League/Instagram.
