WPL each season opens to an expectation that has become familiar: brand-new teams, louder aspirations, and for every single batter, there is only one prize they all want: the Orange Cap. The first match of WPL 2026 is scheduled for January 9 at DY Patil, and now, the WPL is a pressure-cooker rather than a novelty. Mumbai Indians Women will be defending the title they won last year, while Delhi Capitals Women are looking to find redemption from a series of final-round defeats, and RCB Women seek a level of consistency that goes well beyond their name.
Smriti Mandhana: Rhythm Meets Responsibility
Smriti Mandhana
If timing were a currency, Smriti Mandhana would be the central bank of women’s cricket right now. Coming off a stellar 2025, 434 World Cup runs at 54.25, followed by 1,362 ODI runs in the calendar year, Mandhana enters WPL 2026 with something she previously lacked: complete control over tempo.
As RCB captain, she isn’t required to overhit early anymore. Instead, she anchors Powerplays, accelerates against spin, and lets others play the cameos. Her T20I strike rate of 135.85 in 2025 might not scream explosiveness, but it screams sustainability, exactly what long tournaments reward.
On batting-friendly surfaces like DY Patil and Brabourne, Mandhana’s ability to score square of the wicket neutralizes defensive fields. Expect fewer reckless shots, more 40s and 60s, and a serious tilt at topping the charts.
Shafali Verma: Chaos With Calculation
Shafali Verma
Shafali Verma has spent the last year proving that aggression doesn’t have to be reckless. Her 87 in the World Cup 2025 final wasn’t just match-winning it was mature. Add to that 241 runs at a strike rate of 181.20 in the Sri Lanka T20I series, and you realize something has shifted.
In the WPL, Shafali already averages 36.04 with a strike rate of 162.59, elite numbers for an opener facing the new ball. The difference in 2026? Better shot selection against pace and smarter boundary targeting against spin.
Delhi Capitals depend heavily on their top order, which means Shafali gets maximum deliveries. Yes, she’ll fail a few times, that’s the price of her style, but volume plus intent makes her one of the safest bets for a top-three finish.
Nat Sciver-Brunt: The Middle-Order Multiplier
Nat Sciver-Brunt
The Orange Cap tends to chase Nat Sciver-Brunt; she does all the chasing when it comes to the WPL 2025 batting title. With an incredible 523 runs in 8 matches, averaging 65.37 runs per match, Nat Sciver-Brunt is the most tactically valuable batter entering the 2026 season of the WPL.
She has shown an ability to “control” the context of each game that sets her apart from the rest of the league. If one side collapses early in their innings, Nat Sciver-Brunt can rebuild. If the other team needs a late run charge to win, Nat Sciver-Brunt will provide the finish. Last year’s high strike rate of 152.47 was achieved by clean, straight-batted hitting rather than slogging.
MI’s stacked lineup means Sciver-Brunt rarely faces excessive pressure, allowing her to pick ideal match-ups. She may not score the fastest hundreds, but over 10–12 matches, her consistency is terrifyingly efficient. If MI reaches the playoffs again, she’ll be right up there.
Key Takeaway
In WPL 2026, the Orange Cap won’t belong to the wildest striker but to the smartest run accumulator.
FAQs
- What makes Smriti Mandhana a top run-getter contender?
Her elite 2025 form, opening role, and improved strike rotation on flat pitches.
- Why is Shafali Verma still a safe prediction despite her risky style?
Because volume, Powerplay dominance, and improved shot selection offset inconsistency.
- How does Nat Sciver-Brunt stay relevant every season?
By adapting to match situations better than almost anyone else in women’s T20 cricket.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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