Tata WPL: Discover the Excitement

Discover the excitement of the Tata WPL, where top female cricketers showcase their talent and passion for the game. Join the action now!

By The Trending News Fox Sports Desk Team, Saturday, 10th January, 2026

TATA WPL 2026 Final Highlights: RCB Clinch Second Title in Record-Breaking Chase

The TATA Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 reached a thrilling conclusion on February 5, 2026, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) etched their name in history once again. In a high-octane final at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, Smriti Mandhana’s side pulled off the highest successful chase in WPL history to defeat Delhi Capitals (DC) by six wickets.

The Grand Finale: RCB vs. Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals, led by Jemimah Rodrigues, entered their fourth consecutive final desperate to break their “runner-up” jinx. After being put in to bat, DC posted a mammoth 203/4—the highest-ever first-innings total in a WPL final.

• Jemimah Rodrigues led from the front with a fluent 57 off 37 balls.
• Laura Wolvaardt (44) and Chinelle Henry (35* off 15) provided the explosive power to cross the 200-run mark.

However, RCB’s response was nothing short of legendary. Captain Smriti Mandhana played a career-defining knock of 87 off 41 balls, supported by a brilliant 79 from Georgia Voll. The duo’s 165-run partnership effectively took the game away from Delhi. RCB sealed the victory with two balls to spare, sparking wild celebrations across the stadium.

WPL 2026: Award Winners & Top Performers

The fourth season of the TATA WPL saw individual brilliance that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Key Fact: Smriti Mandhana became the first Indian player to win the WPL Orange Cap, overtaking Harmanpreet Kaur in the final game of the season.

Tournament Wrap-Up: Final Standings

The 2026 season followed a caravan model, starting in Navi Mumbai before moving to Vadodara for the business end. While RCB and DC dominated the playoffs, the defending champions Mumbai Indians narrowly missed out on the final after a hard-fought league stage.

1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Champions)
2. Delhi Capitals (Runners-up)
3. Gujarat Giants (Eliminator)
4. Mumbai Indians
5. UP Warriorz

The Road to WPL 2027

With RCB joining Mumbai Indians as the only two-time winners, the rivalry is heating up. The BCCI has already hinted at further expansion and potentially new venues for the 2027 season, as the league’s financial stability remains rock-solid with a ₹6 crore winner’s purse.

The 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) is currently in its final stages, with the league phase wrapping up in Vadodara. After a high-octane start in Navi Mumbai, the tournament has seen Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerge as the dominant force.

Here are the latest updates as of late January 2026:

Current Standings & Playoff Race

The league table has seen a major shake-up following the shift to the Vadodara leg.

• RCB Dominance: Led by Smriti Mandhana, RCB became the first team to qualify for the playoffs. They have secured the top spot, meaning they advance directly to the Final on February 5.
• The Eliminator Battle: Gujarat Giants are currently in the driver’s seat for the second spot, while Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals are locked in a tight race for the third and final playoff position.

Key Performers (Cap Race)

• Orange Cap (Most Runs): The race is heating up between Phoebe Litchfield (UPW), who has been remarkably consistent, and Harmanpreet Kaur (MI).
• Purple Cap (Most Wickets): RCB’s Nadine de Klerk currently leads the charts with 15 wickets, closely followed by MI’s Amelia Kerr.

Upcoming Schedule

The tournament is now entering its “business end” at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara.

• Jan 30: Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians (Crucial for MI’s survival)
• Feb 1: Delhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz (Final league match)
• Feb 3: The Eliminator (Rank 2 vs Rank 3)
• Feb 5: The Grand Final (RCB vs Eliminator Winner)

Auction Highlights Recap

If you missed the pre-season buzz, the 2026 Mega Auction saw Deepti Sharma become the most expensive buy, with UP Warriorz using their Right to Match (RTM) card to secure her for ₹3.20 crore. Amelia Kerr was the biggest overseas signing, retained by Mumbai Indians for ₹3.00 crore.

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is currently in full swing, having kicked off on January 9. As of January 12, 2026, the Gujarat Giants have taken an early lead in the standings with a perfect start to their campaign.

Here is the current points table based on the latest match results:

WPL 2026 Points Table

(Last Updated: January 12, 2026)

Quick Tournament Recap

• Opening Match: RCB defeated the defending champions, Mumbai Indians, by 3 wickets on January 9.
• Current Leaders: The Gujarat Giants moved to the top of the table after a thrilling 4-run victory over the Delhi Capitals on January 11.
• Format: The five teams play in a double round-robin format (8 matches each). The top team qualifies directly for the Final (Feb 5), while the 2nd and 3rd placed teams face off in the Eliminator (Feb 3).

Upcoming Key Fixture

The next match features Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs. UP Warriorz tonight (January 12) at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. A win for RCB would see them join Gujarat at the top with 4 points.

What Makes the Tata WPL Unique?

As of early 2026, the Tata Women’s Premier League (WPL) has evolved from a groundbreaking experiment into a global powerhouse, fundamentally reshaping the landscape of professional sports. Following the Indian national team’s historic triumph at the 2025 ODI World Cup, the WPL has hit an “inflection point,” where surging viewership meets record-breaking brand valuations.

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For fans of Trending News Fox, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to the WPL 2026 season, covering the mega-auction, team squads, schedule, and the economic revolution behind the league.

Tata WPL 2026: The New Era of Women’s Cricket

The fourth edition of the TATA WPL kicked off on January 9, 2026, with a star-studded opening ceremony at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Featuring performances by Honey Singh and Bollywood icons, the event set the stage for a month of high-octane T20 cricket.

This year’s tournament is being played across two primary hubs:

1. Navi Mumbai (DY Patil Stadium): Hosted the first 11 matches (Jan 9 – Jan 17).
2. Vadodara (Baroda Cricket Association Stadium): Hosting the final 11 matches, including the Eliminator and the Grand Final on February 5, 2026.

Tata WPL 2026 Mega-Auction Highlights

The 2026 Mega-Auction in New Delhi was a watershed moment for player valuations. A total of 277 players competed for 73 spots, proving that women’s cricket is now a lucrative career path.

The Most Expensive Players of 2026

Key Takeaway: The use of the Right to Match (RTM) card for Deepti Sharma by UP Warriorz highlighted the tactical depth now present in WPL auctions, mirroring the sophistication of the men’s IPL.

The 5 Contending Teams & Their Captains

The 2026 season features significant leadership changes, most notably the legendary Meg Lanning moving from Delhi Capitals to lead the UP Warriorz.

1. Mumbai Indians (MI): Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, the defending 2025 champions and the most successful franchise with two titles (2023, 2025).
2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Led by Smriti Mandhana, the 2024 champions. Despite the withdrawal of Ellyse Perry due to personal reasons, they remain crowd favorites.
3. Delhi Capitals (DC): Now led by Jemimah Rodrigues, who took over from Lanning. They are the “perennial finalists,” having reached the summit clash in all three previous editions.
4. UP Warriorz (UPW): Led by Meg Lanning. With Deepti Sharma and Sophie Ecclestone, they boast one of the strongest bowling attacks.
5. Gujarat Giants (GG): Led by Ashleigh Gardner. After a transformative 2025 season where they reached the playoffs, GG is the “dark horse” of 2026.

Tata WPL 2026 Schedule & Format

The format remains a double round-robin, ensuring every team plays each other twice.

• League Stage: Ends on February 1.
• The Direct Ticket: The team finishing 1st on the points table qualifies directly for the Final.
• The Eliminator: The 2nd and 3rd placed teams face off on February 3 in Vadodara.
• The Final: February 5, 2026.

The Business of WPL: Beyond the Boundary

The Tata Group’s title sponsorship has lent immense credibility to the league, but the 2026 season has seen a massive influx of “new-age” sponsors. From ChatGPT to Lakme, brands are no longer viewing women’s cricket as a niche “CSR” activity but as a premium media property.

Economic Milestones:

• Viewership Surge: WPL viewership doubled from 152 million in 2023 to 325 million in 2025. Early 2026 data suggests a further 20% growth.
• Sponsorship Revenue: Cumulative team and central sponsorship is expected to touch ₹120 crore this season.
• Broadcast Power: JioStar (Viacom18) continues to drive digital growth, making the WPL the second most-watched sports league in India after the IPL.

Impact on Grassroots Cricket

The WPL isn’t just about the stars; it’s about the “Shreyanka Patil effect.” Players like Shreyanka (RCB) and Asha Sobhana have proven that domestic toil can lead to national stardom and financial security within a single season.

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“The WPL gave us the ‘pressure-cooker’ experience. The big moments aren’t new anymore; the crowd noise isn’t intimidating. It’s familiar.” — Jemimah Rodrigues

With the BCCI’s new Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, featuring world-class facilities and separate dormitories for women, the path from a small village to the WPL stage has never been clearer.

Predictions for 2026: Who Will Take the Trophy?

While Mumbai Indians enter as favorites, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru have shown incredible resilience, particularly with Nadine de Klerk emerging as an early Orange and Purple Cap contender. However, keep an eye on Delhi Capitals—under the fresh leadership of Jemimah Rodrigues, they are desperate to break their “runner-up” streak and finally lift the trophy in Vadodara.

Tata WPL 2026 Key Dates to Remember

• Jan 10: Double Header (UPW vs GG & MI vs DC).
• Jan 19: League moves to Vadodara.
• Feb 3: The Eliminator.
• Feb 5: The Grand Final.

Here is a comprehensive FAQ for the Tata Women’s Premier League (WPL), covering everything from the 2026 season details to the league’s history.

Tata WPL: General Information

What is the Tata WPL?

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is a professional women’s Twenty20 cricket league in India, owned and operated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The Tata Group is the official title sponsor.

How many teams are there in the WPL?

There are currently five teams in the league:

1. Mumbai Indians (MI)
2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
3. Delhi Capitals (DC)
4. UP Warriorz (UPW)
5. Gujarat Giants (GG)

Who are the past winners?

• 2023: Mumbai Indians (Inaugural Champions)
• 2024: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
• 2025: Mumbai Indians (Second Title)

Tata WPL 2026 Season Details

When does WPL 2026 take place?

The tournament began on January 9, 2026, and the final is scheduled for February 5, 2026.

Where are the matches being played?

The 2026 season is split across two cities:

• Navi Mumbai: Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy (Matches from Jan 9 – Jan 17)
• Vadodara: BCA Stadium (Matches from Jan 19 – Feb 5, including Playoffs)

What is the tournament format?

The league follows a double round-robin format where every team plays each other twice.

• The team that finishes 1st in the points table qualifies directly for the Final.
• The teams finishing 2nd and 3rd play in the “Eliminator.”
• The winner of the Eliminator moves on to the Final.

How can I watch the matches?

• TV: Live on the Star Sports Network in India.
• Digital/Streaming: Live on the JioHotstar app and website.
• Tickets: Available on the official WPL website and the District app.

Tata WPL: Squads & Key Players

Who are the captains for 2026?

What are the rules for overseas players?

Each team can include a maximum of five overseas players in their playing XI, provided the fifth player is from an Associate Nation. If all five are from Full Member nations, only four can play.

Tata WPL: Conclusion

The Tata WPL 2026 is more than a cricket tournament; it is a cultural shift. It has proven that women’s sports can be commercially viable, technically elite, and emotionally resonant. Whether you are a die-hard MI fan or a member of the RCB “12th Man Army,” this season promises to be the most competitive yet.

Stay tuned to Trending News Fox for live updates, match reports, and exclusive interviews throughout the WPL 2026 season!

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Disclaimer: TATA WPL 2026 News & Updates

Last Updated: February 6, 2026

1. Accuracy and Information Purpose

The information provided in this article regarding the TATA Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is for general informational and editorial purposes only. While we strive to provide the most accurate, up-to-date latest updates, match reports, and player statistics, Trending News Fox makes no warranties about the absolute completeness or reliability of this data. Cricket scores, player availability, and tournament schedules are subject to change at the discretion of the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India).

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3. Compliance with National Sports Governance Rules 2026

In accordance with the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules 2026, this publication adheres to the ethical standards of sports journalism and integrity. We do not facilitate illegal betting, gambling, or the unauthorized commercial exploitation of match footage.

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Editorial Note: For official schedules and official player statistics, fans are encouraged to visit the official tournament website atwplt20.com.