The fourth edition of the book Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 officially kicks off today, January 9, 2026, with two high-profile heavyweight bouts at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and elected to field first, finding the heavy dew to be a critical factor in favoring the chasing side.
The season opener is marked by a major change in team dynamics, with both sides losing iconic veterans and new talent. RCB went into the fray with a gutsy, all-round heavy line-up that included six debutants, including some high-profile overseas recruits. Grace Harris and Lauren Bell. Meanwhile, the eventual champions, Mumbai Indians (MI)they want to maintain their advantage despite being forced to make late changes to their basic combinations. The atmosphere in the stadium remains electric as the league enters a new chapter after a glamorous opening ceremony celebrating the ‘Unstoppable Rise’ of women’s cricket.
WPL 2026, MI vs RCB: Reason for absence of star all-rounder Hayley Mathews
Moments before the toss, in a significant blow to the defending champions, Mumbai revealed their star West Indian all-rounder. Hayley Matthews would miss the opening clash. captain Harmanpreet Kaur confirmed that Mathews, the “engine” of MI’s success over the last three seasons, is deteriorating.
His absence led to a tactical personnel reshuffle that led to a first WPL for the Australian all-rounder. Nicola Careywho steps up to provide balance with his seam bowling and middle-order batting. Apart from his cricketing contributions, Mathews’ presence at the top of the order is a big loss for Mumbai as he was instrumental in both their previous title wins. Team management expressed hope for a speedy recovery, but the onus for opening night shifted to the rest of the team’s veteran core. Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amelia Kerr To fill the huge void left by the Caribbean superstar.
WPL 2026: RCB’s new look and MI’s teenage feel
The opening match became a platform for the new generation, especially the debut of the teenage sensation Grandma For Mumbai. The Under-19 World Cup winner and recent Indian debutant stepped into the limelight and was appointed to open the innings alongside the seasoned all-rounder. Nat Sciver-Brunt. And on the other side Ellyse Perry-Less RCB underwent a complete transformation, with Perry notably leaving the season due to personal reasons.
They presented six debuts, including foreign stars Harris, Bell and more Lynsey SmithAlong with Indian recruitment Radha Yadav and D Hemalatha. RCB’s line-up is uniquely structured, loaded with five all-rounders, but looks light on traditional batting depth, leaving Richa Ghosh with the heavy responsibility of anchoring the middle order at No.4. With so many fresh faces on both sides, the season opener is less about past rivalries and more about which new-look squad can adapt to the first pressure of the big stage.
Also WATCH: Ellyse Perry shares emotional tribute to RCB ahead of WPL 2026 clash with Mumbai Indians
This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
