Defending champions Mumbai Indians began their WPL 2026 campaign against former champions Roya Challengers Bengaluru in Mumbai on Friday. Star all-rounder Hayley Matthews, missed out the season-opening clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru due to illness.
“Unfortunately, Hayley Matthews isn’t playing today as she’s unwell.. We’ve been practicing for the last 10 days, and everyone looks in good touch. We’ve got a well-balanced side, pretty similar to what we’ve had over the last three seasons, so we’re confident heading into the game,” MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur said at the toss.
🚨 Toss 🚨@RCBTweets won the toss against @mipaltan in the season opener and elected to bowl first.
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/IWU1URl1fr#TATAWPL | #KhelEmotionKa | #MIvRCB pic.twitter.com/2pdEsTzdYV
— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) January 9, 2026
Season 4⃣. Episode 1⃣
💙 🆚 ❤️
Bring on the #TATAWPL 2026 🥳
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/IWU1URl1fr#KhelEmotionKa | #MIvRCB pic.twitter.com/4u5OinBMp0
— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) January 9, 2026
RCB captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and elected to bowl first. “Dew plays a huge role at this venue, especially in the second half, and it’s a ground where conditions can change quickly. We want to bowl tight lines early and restrict the opposition,” Mandhana said.
Grooving to the tunes 🎶
The energetic Honey Singh lights up the #TATAWPL opening ceremony in style 🔥#MIvRCB | #KhelEmotionKa | @asliyoyo pic.twitter.com/3C0sYtNrMr
— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) January 9, 2026
“The girls have gelled really well. It’s a young group, the overseas players have settled in nicely, and it’s been a fun environment. Everyone’s worked extremely hard, and we’re really excited to get started,” she added.
That is SOME start! 😲
A maiden over from Lauren Bell to begin #TATAWPL 2026 🔥
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/IWU1URl1fr#KhelEmotionKa | #MIvRCB | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/CYHZFyODb6
— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) January 9, 2026
Playing XIs
Mumbai Indians: Nat Sciver-Brunt, G Kamalini (wicketkeeper), Amelia Kerr, Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Amanjot Kaur, Nicola Carey, Poonam Khemnar, Shabnim Ismail, Sanskriti Gupta, Sajeevan Sajana, Saika Ishaque
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Smriti Mandhana (captain), Grace Harris, Dayalan Hemalatha, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Prema Rawat, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell
Also Read: Honey Singh, Jacqueline Fernandez, Harnaaz Sandhu Light Up Opening Ceremony | WATCH
