
The anticipation for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is mounting as two of India’s star batters, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, prepare for the upcoming season. With Mandhana captaining Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Jemimah leading Delhi Capitals (DC), fans are eager to see how their statistics hold up.
Starting on January 9 and running until February 5, WPL 2026 promises to showcase incredible talent and thrilling matches. This year, the tournament will kick off with the defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) taking on the RCB at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. A total of 22 matches will take place across two venues, with the final scheduled for the BCA Stadium in Vadodara.
Smriti Mandhana enters this season with a remarkable record in the WPL. She has participated in 26 matches, accumulating a total of 646 runs, averaging 24.84 with a strike rate of 128.68. Here’s how her stats break down against various teams:
| Opponent | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi Capitals (DC) | 7 | 242 | 34.57 | 133.70 |
| Mumbai Indians (MI) | 7 | 156 | 22.29 | 126.82 |
| Gujarat Giants | 6 | 141 | 23.50 | 122.60 |
Mandhana has four fifties in her WPL career, with her highest score of 81 runs off just 47 balls against DC in the 2025 edition. This impressive knock included 10 fours and three sixes, showcasing her aggressive batting style.
Jemimah Rodrigues, on the other hand, has played 27 matches and scored 507 runs, averaging 28.16 with an astonishing strike rate of 139.66. Her performance against teams shows her capability to contribute significantly:
| Opponent | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai Indians (MI) | 8 | 192 | 38.40 | 161.34 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | 7 | 146 | 21.00 | 136.44 |
| UP Warriorz | 6 | 114 | 19.00 | 146.15 |
With three fifties to her name, Jemimah’s standout performance was a remarkable 69* runs off 33 balls against MI in the 2024 edition, featuring eight fours and three sixes. Her ability to anchor the innings is commendable.
In the intricate battle of statistics, Mandhana and Jemimah both showcase their strengths in winning and losing conditions. Mandhana has played pivotal roles in 11 victories for RCB, scoring 368 runs at an average of 33.45 during these matches. In contrast, Jemimah has been instrumental for Delhi Capitals in their 17 winning games, contributing 289 runs at an impressive average of 36.12.
Here’s the summary of their performance in matches leading their teams:
| Player | Matches Won | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | 11 | 368 | 33.45 | 135.29 |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | 17 | 289 | 36.12 | 140.29 |
The WPL 2026 season lays a platform for both Mandhana and Jemimah to elevate their game. As they gear up to face each other, fans can expect exhilarating cricket filled with thrilling moments and unforgettable performances. Who will emerge as the leading star?






