The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 has reached its business end after a grueling double round-robin group stage that tested the mettle of all five franchises. Out of the intense competition, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Gujarat Giants (GG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) have emerged as the top three contenders for the title.
RCB’s dominant run earned them the direct ticket to the final, leaving GG and DC to battle it out in the high-stakes Eliminator. Defending champions Mumbai Indians and UP Warriorz have been knocked out, making way for a new era of dominance in the league. As the action shifts to the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, the tournament prepares for a grand conclusion on February 5. The transition from league format to the knockout stage has heightened the pressure, with every mistake now carrying the weight of elimination.
The journey to the WPL 2026 Playoffs
1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB’s journey in 2026 has been a story of clinical consistency and redemption. After a disappointing 2025 season, Smriti Mandhana’s side came out with a point to prove, stitching together a record-breaking six-match winning streak early on. Despite the shock absence of Ellyse Perry, the team found new heroes in Georgia Voll, Grace Harris, Lauren Bell and Gautami Naik. They finished the league stage at the summit with 12 points and a superior Net Run Rate of +1.247, securing their direct path to the final. Their ability to defend totals and chase with composure has made them the team to beat this year.
2. Gujarat Giants (GG)
The Gujarat Giants scripted a remarkable turnaround to finish second on the table with 10 points. Led by Ashleigh Gardner, the Giants overcame early-season stumbles to find a winning rhythm when it mattered most. Their campaign was defined by high-scoring matches and the individual brilliance of Sophie Devine, who spearheaded their bowling attack. A crucial victory over Mumbai Indians in their final group game cemented their playoff spot, marking their most successful WPL campaign to date and setting up a thrilling Eliminator clash.
3. Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals, under the new leadership of Jemimah Rodrigues, showed immense grit to secure the third playoff spot with 8 points. Transitioning from the Meg Lanning era wasn’t easy, but the Capitals maintained their reputation as playoff regulars. Their journey was a rollercoaster, highlighted by a massive win over RCB that ended the latter’s unbeaten run. By defeating UP Warriorz in a ‘do-or-die’ final league game, they knocked out the defending champions Mumbai Indians on points, proving that their “never say die” attitude remains their greatest asset.
Also READ: Meg Lanning explains the reasons behind early exit of UP Warriorz from WPL 2026
SWOT analysis for WPL 2026 playoffs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
S – Strengths (1)
The primary strength of RCB lies in their world-class spin department. With Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav and Linsey Smith, they have a variety of spin options that can adapt to any pitch condition. This allows them to dominate the middle overs and restrict even the most aggressive batting lineups.
W – Weaknesses (2)
A significant weakness is the lack of an experienced anchor at No. 3 following the withdrawal of Ellyse Perry. While they have tried various domestic options, none have yet shown the same ability to stabilize an innings after an early wicket. This could lead to a mid-innings collapse if their openers are dismissed cheaply.
O – Opportunities (3)
The tournament provides a massive opportunity for Smriti Mandhana to cement her legacy as a championship-winning captain. Without Perry’s on-field guidance, this is her chance to prove her tactical maturity. Additionally, it serves as a redemption stage for Shreyanka to earn a permanent spot back in the senior national team.
T – Threats (4)
Fitness concerns regarding key players like Pooja Vastrakar remain a lingering threat. Her uncertain availability for the final could leave a hole in their pace-bowling attack. Any late injury to their top three batters could also severely handicap their ability to post or chase high totals.
Gujarat Giants (GG)
S – Strengths (1)
The Giants’ biggest strength is their immense ‘Batting Muscle.’ With Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine and Ashleigh Gardner in the top order, they have the firepower to post totals well above 200. Their momentum heading into the playoffs is also a significant psychological advantage.
W – Weaknesses (2)
The team suffers from an extreme over-dependence on their four overseas players. If the international stars fail to fire, the domestic Indian middle order has often looked vulnerable and unable to carry the scoring rate. This lack of domestic batting depth is a clear area that opponents like DC will target.
O – Opportunities (3)
This playoff stage is a massive opportunity for Indian pacers like Kashvee Gautam to stake their claim for the 2026 T20 World Cup squad. Standout performances here would catch the selectors’ eyes immediately. It is also the Giants’ best chance to finally win their maiden title after years of disappointment.
T – Threats (4)
The primary threat is the selection dilemma regarding the fourth overseas slot. Choosing between Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Kim Garth and Georgia Wareham is a high-stakes decision that could backfire if the selected player doesn’t suit the match conditions. Settling on the wrong combination for the Eliminator could end their campaign prematurely.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
S – Strengths (1)
Delhi’s strength lies in their ‘Big-Match Temperament.’ Having reached three previous finals, the core group of Rodrigues, Verma and Kapp knows how to handle the pressure of knockouts. Their spin variety, including off-spin and leg-spin, also gives them tactical flexibility.
W – Weaknesses (2)
The Capitals face a glaring ‘Paucity of Domestic Pace.’ Beyond Marizanne Kapp, they lack experienced Indian fast bowlers who can consistently deliver at the death. This puts immense pressure on Kapp to be perfect every game and makes the bowling attack somewhat predictable.
O – Opportunities (3)
The leadership transition to Jemimah Rodrigues offers a fresh start and a ‘New Era’ opportunity. Leading DC to their first-ever title would be a historic achievement for her career. It also offers younger players like Niki Prasad a platform to prove they are ready for the highest level of international cricket.
T – Threats (4)
The biggest threat is the inconsistency of the middle order. While the top four are world-class, the lower-middle order has often struggled to finish games if the primary batters are out. Against a team like RCB, who have elite death bowlers, this lack of finishing power could be fatal.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
