The fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) will kick off with a clash between two-time champion Mumbai Indians and 2024 winner Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Navi Mumbai on Friday.
Here’s a look at who will be leading each franchise in this season:
Harmanpreet Kaur (Mumbai Indians)
Harmanpreet has captained MI since the inaugural edition of the WPL in 2023. The India captain has led the franchise to two titles, the latest of which came last season.
| Photo Credit:
EMMANUAL YOGINI
Harmanpreet has captained MI since the inaugural edition of the WPL in 2023. The India captain has led the franchise to two titles, the latest of which came last season.
| Photo Credit:
EMMANUAL YOGINI
Smriti Mandhana (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Smriti Mandhana too has been the RCB skipper since WPL’s first season and led the team to the title in the 2024 edition.
| Photo Credit:
K. MURALI KUMAR
Smriti Mandhana too has been the RCB skipper since WPL’s first season and led the team to the title in the 2024 edition.
| Photo Credit:
K. MURALI KUMAR
Jemimah Rodrigues (Delhi Capitals)
Delhi Capitals announced India international Jemimah Rodrigues as its captain ahead of the WPL 2026 season as the World Cup winner hopes to break DC’s duck and lead it to its maiden title.
| Photo Credit:
PTI
Delhi Capitals announced India international Jemimah Rodrigues as its captain ahead of the WPL 2026 season as the World Cup winner hopes to break DC’s duck and lead it to its maiden title.
| Photo Credit:
PTI
Ashleigh Gardner (Gujarat Giants)
Ashleigh Gardner was named GG captain last season after Beth Mooney wanted to focus on her batting. Gardner then led the Giants to its best-ever finish in the WPL after taking it to the Eliminator. This year too, the Australian all-rounder will lead the side.
| Photo Credit:
EMMANUAL YOGINI
Ashleigh Gardner was named GG captain last season after Beth Mooney wanted to focus on her batting. Gardner then led the Giants to its best-ever finish in the WPL after taking it to the Eliminator. This year too, the Australian all-rounder will lead the side.
| Photo Credit:
EMMANUAL YOGINI
Meg Lanning (UP Warriorz)
After leading Delhi Capitals to three consecutive WPL finals, and not being retained by the side, Meg Lanning was snapped up by UP Warriorz and named captain for this season.
| Photo Credit:
PTI
After leading Delhi Capitals to three consecutive WPL finals, and not being retained by the side, Meg Lanning was snapped up by UP Warriorz and named captain for this season.
| Photo Credit:
PTI
Published on Jan 07, 2026
