Women Cricketers to Watch in WPL 2026

blog title with 10 pictures of the players that will be mentioned in the article

The Women’s Premier League WPL 2026 promises to be filled with even more exciting matches as Indian and international cricketers come together to showcase their abilities. With global stars partnering the best from India, every fixture carries high significance and closely fought contests are expected throughout the season. After weeks of speculation and anticipation, the WPL match schedule has finally been announced, providing fans with clarity on key fixtures and marquee clashes to look forward to.

Previous WPL Winner (2023 – 2025)

The first WPL match schedule was announced with the opening match on March 4, 2023, officially launching the inaugural edition of the league. Here are the previous WPL winners from 2023 to 2025:

Year Winner WPL Team WPL Team Captain Final Runner-up
WPL 2023 Winner Mumbai Indians Harmanpreet Kaur Delhi Capitals
WPL 2024 Winner Royal Challengers Bengaluru Smriti Mandhana Delhi Capitals
WPL 2025 Winner Mumbai Indians Harmanpreet Kaur Delhi Capitals

10 Women Cricketers Set to Dominate WPL 2026

After the Mumbai Indians being the WPL 2025 winner, anticipation is already building for the upcoming season. As WPL teams prepare for a packed calendar, excitement continues to build around how the season will unfold. From explosive power hitters and dependable openers to death over specialists and impact all-rounders, these players do far more than just fill the squad and often decide the outcome of matches. 

For fans tracking performances, scores, and form trends, understanding the strengths of top players becomes essential. Here is a look at the top 10 women cricketers to watch out for in WPL 2026 who are expected to define the tournament with their match-winning contributions.

1. Deepti Sharma (UP Warriorz)

Deepti Sharma, the Indian all-rounder, is a stalwart for UP Warriorz, blending finesse with efficiency. Deepti scored 507 runs in 25 matches during WPL 2025, averaging 28.17, while also taking 27 wickets at an economy rate of 8.30, clearly highlighting her all-around abilities. 

Her versatility makes her an important factor in cricket prediction, as she can influence matches with both bat and ball. Deepti is always ready to hold an innings together or accelerate when required, making her an essential component of the UP Warriorz middle order, particularly during powerplay overs or while chasing challenging targets.

Deepti’s off-spinner is equally threatening for the opposing side, disaggregating key partnerships and injecting precision through the remaining middle-game moments – often depicting the decisive phase of matches. Beyond the figures, Deepti Sharma’s composure under pressure and efficiently executed run-scoring add significant depth to UP Warriorz’s strategy in the WPL 2026.

Batting Stats in WPL

Matches Runs Highest Score Average Strike Rate 50s
28 507 88* 28.17 117.63 3

Bowling Stats in WPL

Matches Wickets Best Bowling Average Economy Strike Rate
28 27 4/19 29.30 8.30 21.19

2. Smriti Mandhana (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Smriti Mandhana remains an exciting power batsman opening for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. At WPL 2025, she accumulated a staggering 646 runs in 26 innings, smashing four half-centuries with an impressive strike rate of 128.69, proving that she also possesses the skill to carve out substantial innings. With her perfect amalgamation of elegance and aggression, she can dismantle bowling attacks while also displaying requisites of cool competence under pressure. 

Her refined boundary strokes and adaptability make her an integral part of both scoring and chasing. You can consider placing the highest run scorer bet for Smriti Mandhana, given her consistency at the top of the order, especially in matches where Bengaluru bat first or face weaker bowling line-ups.

Apart from her batting, she is also a quick and priceless fielder, securing critical runs for her team’s account. Her international as well as WPL experience, including being part of the WPL 2025 winner setup, has already designated her as a reliable performer, capable of turning around tricky situations in Bengaluru’s favour, making her another exciting and closely followed player of this season.

Batting Stats in WPL

Matches Runs Highest Score Average Strike Rate 50s
26 646 81 24.85 128.69 4

3. Shafali Verma (Delhi Capitals)

Shafali Verma adds dynamism to the Delhi Capitals with her powerful hitting, revolutionising the way an opening batswoman performs. Up until WPL 2025, she scored a total of 865 runs in 27 outings at a strike rate of 162.59, hitting six half-centuries, further solidifying her position as one of the most feared batters in the tournament. 

Aggressive batting by Verma helps the team capitalise on the initial power play overs, further influencing the rest of the game with her batting skills as well. Verma’s formidable batting skills can change the complexion of a game in a few overs, further enthralling audiences with her play.

Batting Stats in WPL

Matches Runs Highest Score Average Strike Rate 50s
27 865 84 36.04 162.59 6

4. Jemimah Rodrigues (Delhi Capitals)

Talking about the Delhi Capitals, Jemimah Rodrigues is the presence that holds the entire playing XI together. She is a technically sound batter who keeps her calm despite playing under immense pressure. In WPL 2025, she accumulated 507 runs in 25 matches at an average of 28.17, including three half-centuries. This clearly shows that she is a reliable performer in the middle order. 

However, her actual strength is controlling the pace of the game with smooth strike rotation and building an innings when the opposing bowler is producing fast deliveries. This makes her an asset for the Delhi Capitals in situations where they are left with a couple of overs to score runs. 

Moreover, her ability to find gaps in the field, combined with a strong understanding of spin bowling, allows her to rotate the strike efficiently and accelerate when needed. Her sharp and agile fielding further enhances her overall value to the side. 

With WPL 2026 around the corner, Jemimah is expected to play a key role in either anchoring the innings or lifting the scoring rate during crucial phases of the match, firmly establishing her among the elite batters of the tournament. Such consistency at important moments also makes her a strong contender in top run scorer markets for the upcoming season.

Batting Stats in WPL

Matches Runs Highest Score Average Strike Rate 50s
27 507 69* 28.17 139.67 3

5. Nat Sciver-Brunt (Mumbai Indians)

Nat Sciver-Brunt: Nat is the all-rounder of the England national side, but in the case of the Mumbai Indians, she is a game-changer as she affects the match in multiple ways. During the WPL 2025, Nat accumulated 1,027 runs in 29 matches at a remarkable average of 46.68. In addition to her batting impact, she also took 32 wickets, registering a bowling average of 22.28.

Nat’s inclusion in the Mumbai Indians squad provides the team with resilience under pressure along with the capability to shift gears and accelerate the game. In the WPL 2026, the player is expected to remain a steady entity in the side, having the ability to turn the course of the game in the player’s favour when required.

Batting Stats in WPL

Matches Runs Highest Score Average Strike Rate 50s
29 1027 80* 46.68 141.85 8

Bowling Stats in WPL

Matches Wickets Best Bowling Average Economy Strike Rate
29 32 3/18 22.28 7.67 17.44

6. Hayley Matthews (Mumbai Indians)

West Indies all-rounder Hayley Matthews is a key player for the Mumbai Indians, known for her aggressive hitting and decisive bowling. In the WPL 2025, she amassed 758 runs at a strike rate of 121.47 while claiming 41 wickets at an outstanding average of 17.56, highlighting her all-round impact on the tournament. 

Hayley possesses the ability to accelerate her team in the last overs of an innings with her batting and cut down overs in an opposition’s innings through her impressive and result-oriented bowling. It requires a lot of skills and class to change the course of a match in either aspect of a cricket contest; therefore, Hayley is a true match-winner. Furthermore, her ability to perform under pressure makes her a leading prospect in WPL and a favourite to watch in WPL 2026.

Batting Stats in WPL

Matches Runs Highest Score Average Strike Rate 50s
29 758 77* 27.07 121.47 5

Bowling Stats in WPL

Matches Wickets Best Bowling Average Economy Strike Rate
29 41 3/5 17.56 7.25 14.54

7. Sophie Ecclestone (UP Warriorz)

Sophie Ecclestone is recognised worldwide as one of the most effective spin bowlers in global cricket and an integral match-winner for the UP Warriorz side in the Tata WPL. Her left-arm spin bowling is highly effective, relying on precise flight and subtle variations to trouble batters in a wide range of conditions.

In the cricket WPL ecosystem, her control during the middle overs makes her a decisive weapon and a key name in cricket prediction discussions. During the WPL 2025 match series, Sophie Ecclestone reliably picked important wickets while simultaneously maintaining an economical run rate that strangled the opposition’s scoring possibilities.

Sophie’s ability to disrupt the opposition’s partnerships at critical stages of the match allows her team to take charge of the match with authoritative dominance over the crucial mid-game periods. Beyond the numbers, Sophie’s smart field placements and composure under pressure make her indispensable to the UP Warriorz.

In the WPL 2026 match series, Sophie’s bowling performance will give a significant turn to the match result on spinning-friendly grounds, making it an important player that WPL teams would maintain close surveillance upon.

Bowling Stats in WPL

Matches Wickets Best Bowling Average Economy Strike Rate
29 36 4/13 18.39 6.69 16.50

8. Laura Wolvaardt (Delhi Capitals)

Laura Wolvaardt’s refined stroke-play and calm temperament make her a stabilising presence for the Delhi Capitals when innings come under pressure. Well-known for her exemplary stroke play, she accumulates long innings, manages the strike effectively, and maintains a brisk scoring pace, which gives her team momentum and allows her to lay strong foundations for higher scoring. 

In the WPL 2025, her composure in pressure situations was evident in closely fought contests, where her mature approach helped her anticipate chances, stabilise innings, or even dictate competitive totals. How she chooses her shots and uses her quick footwork against fast and spin bowling signifies her as an eclectic opening batter, adaptable to different types of surfaces as well as the match conditions. 

In addition to her run-scoring, her agility in the field enhances the Delhi Capitals’ defensive strength by preventing crucial runs at key stages. Heading into the WPL 2026, her expertise, composure, and decision-making as an opener are likely to place her among the most closely followed players of the season.

Batting Stats in WPL

Matches Runs Highest Score Average Strike Rate 50s
25 582 88 33.00 120.50 3

9. Ellyse Perry (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Ellyse Perry is an outstanding all-rounder who remains essential for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In WPL 2025, Perry played crunch knocks that fetched her many valuable runs. Moreover, she took important wickets when the opponents needed them the least. Perry is a powerful batter capable of controlling the pace of an innings based on the demands of the match. 

While performing with the ball in hand, Perry possesses the strengths of a medium pace bowler who can swing the ball and take essential breakthroughs. There is more to Perry’s play than meets the eye, as her experience allows her to read batters and adapt quickly. As a seasoned player, Perry can easily adjust to match conditions and deliver under pressure. 

For Royal Challengers Bengaluru in WPL 2026, Perry will once again remain the outstanding all-rounder the team requires, and her influence could play a decisive role in shaping their campaign and pushing them closer to becoming the WPL winner. Given her consistent impact in both departments, she can also be a safe option to place your bet for the most valuable player.

Batting Stats in WPL

Matches Runs Highest Score Average Strike Rate 50s
25 972 90* 64.80 132.97 8

Bowling Stats in WPL

Matches Wickets Best Bowling Average Economy Strike Rate
25 14 6/15 30.86 8.25 22.43

10. Amelia Kerr (Mumbai Indians)

Amelia Kerr provides everything that the Mumbai Indians require: a reliable bat, along with the ability to take wickets with real substance. In WPL 2025, Kerr’s performance was marked by her ability to deliver match-changing performances while operating under intense pressure. As a batter, Kerr’s approach combines the ability to accumulate runs with an aggressive element that can boost the momentum of the match. Kerr’s bowling attack combines line and length with variations that can disrupt partnerships between wickets. 

As an addition to the team, Kerr’s ability to perform tactfully under various conditions increases the Mumbai Indians’ reliance on her abilities. Beyond her on-field performances, Kerr’s athleticism also stands out, complemented by her strong understanding of the game. For WPL 2026, Kerr’s performance with both bat and ball leaves her with an unparalleled position among the best all-rounders of the WPL league. 

Batting Stats in WPL

Matches Runs Highest Score Average Strike Rate 50s
29 437 45* 24.28 119.40 0

Bowling Stats in WPL

Matches Wickets Best Bowling Average Economy Strike Rate
29 40 5/38 17.90 7.64 14.05

Ways for Betting on GUGOBET for the WPL 2026

Placing a bet on the Women’s Premier League through GUGOBET can be both exciting and rewarding if approached cautiously and with the right information. When it comes to cricket prediction, focusing on player performance markets is often a strong starting point. Your top picks could include players like Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, or Sophie Ecclestone in the highest run-scorer or leading wicket-taker categories, depending on their current form and match conditions, which can significantly impact your cricket prediction outcomes.

Next, consider match markets, cricket betting odds, and their impact on match prediction. Focus on combinations of teams, toss outcomes, and pitch conditions. For example, spin-friendly pitches tend to favour bowlers like Ecclestone, while batting-friendly surfaces allow players such as Mandhana or Verma to excel, which can significantly influence the accuracy of your match prediction.

In live betting, keeping an eye on players who can alter the course of a match, like Amelia Kerr and Hayley Matthews, can provide significant profit potential. Monitoring live cricket betting odds in such scenarios can help identify the most favourable opportunities.

Bankroll management discipline is a must. Do not bet large amounts of money on a single event; instead, opt for smaller, thoroughly thought-out bets on likely outcomes. Use GUGOBET’s exchange betting, live stats, and mobile apps to track games, assess player performance, and hedge when needed. Coupled with a clear understanding of the TATA WPL match schedule, this strategy, alongside smart analysis of cricket betting odds, can enhance both profitability and enjoyment.

Register On GUGOBET And Get Ready To Follow Every TATA WPL 2026 Match!

WPL Match Schedule for 2026 Edition

WPL 2026 will run from January 9th to February 5th, 2026, across Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. Here’s the official TATA WPL match schedule for the 2026 edition:

WPL 2026 at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai

Date Time WPL Team 1 WPL Team 2
Jan 9th, 2026 Evening Mumbai Indians Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Jan 10th, 2026 Afternoon UP Warriorz Gujarat Giants
Jan 10th, 2026 Evening Delhi Capitals Mumbai Indians
Jan 11th, 2026 Evening Gujarat Giants Delhi Capitals
Jan 12th, 2026 Evening Royal Challengers Bengaluru UP Warriorz
Jan 13th, 2026 Evening Mumbai Indians Gujarat Giants
Jan 14th, 2026 Evening UP Warriorz Delhi Capitals
Jan 15th, 2026 Evening Mumbai Indians UP Warriorz
Jan 16th, 2026 Evening Royal Challengers Bengaluru Gujarat Giants
Jan 17th, 2026 Afternoon UP Warriorz Mumbai Indians
Jan 17th, 2026 Evening Delhi Capitals Royal Challengers Bengaluru

WPL 2026 at BCA Stadium, Vadodara

Date Time WPL Team 1 WPL Team 2
Jan 19th, 2026 Evening Gujarat Giants Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Jan 20th, 2026 Evening Delhi Capitals Mumbai Indians
Jan 22nd, 2026 Evening Gujarat Giants UP Warriorz
Jan 24th, 2026 Evening Royal Challengers Bengaluru Delhi Capitals
Jan 26th, 2026 Evening Royal Challengers Bengaluru Mumbai Indians
Jan 27th, 2026 Evening Gujarat Giants Delhi Capitals
Jan 29th, 2026 Evening UP Warriorz Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Jan 30th, 2026 Evening Gujarat Giants Mumbai Indians
Feb 1st, 2026 Evening Delhi Capitals UP Warriorz

WPL 2026 Playoffs & Final at BCA Stadium, Vadodara

  • Feb 3rd, 2026 at Evening – Eliminator
  • Feb 5th, 2026 at Evening – Final

Conclusion 

TATA WPL 2026 promises thrilling cricket, with a combination of skilled Indian and international cricketers playing key roles in determining the results of each match. Envision opener duo Shafali Verma, who can hit sixes out of thin air, and multi-dimensional cricketers such as Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amelia Kerr, who combine talent, experience, and skilled knockout blows in every single match. 

Their contributions with runs, wickets, and moments of individual brilliance will not only determine the outcome of matches but also influence fan reactions, Fantasy League decisions, and future match predictions in WPL 2026. Amidst a battle of superiority among competing teams, focusing on these talented cricketers would hold the key to understanding what exactly is happening in a match and what can be predicted in its final result. 

Ranking an innings, dissolving a threatening partnership, and accelerating run rates in a crunch match would be in the capable hands of these ten cricketers in WPL 2026.