Archive · 8 Jan 2026
WPL 2026: Mandhana on Perry's Absence, MI vs RCB Clash
Smriti Mandhana, the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), talked about how her team will miss Ellyse Perry, who is very important to them.
Perry won't be playing this season because of personal reasons, but Mandhana believes the young players in the team have learned a lot from Perry and are ready to do well.
RCB had a tough time last season, finishing in second-last place, but they are excited and ready to improve.
On Friday, RCB will play against the defending champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), led by Harmanpreet Kaur.
Mandhana also said she is working on hitting more sixes and improving her power-hitting.
Both teams are getting ready for the new season, with RCB focusing on building a winning mindset and MI aiming to continue their success.
Smriti Mandhana acknowledges Ellyse Perry's irreplaceable contribution to RCB but believes young players are ready to step up.
RCB will face Mumbai Indians (MI) in the WPL 2026 opener, with MI aiming to defend their title.
Mandhana is working on improving her power-hitting and aims to hit more sixes in the upcoming season.
RCB is a young team with a lot of energy and excitement, focusing on building a winning mindset.
The WPL has had a significant impact on the development of women's cricket, according to Mandhana.
- Who
- Smriti Mandhana (RCB Captain), Harmanpreet Kaur (MI Captain), Ellyse Perry, Sayali Sathgare
- What
- RCB's preparation for WPL 2026, impact of Ellyse Perry's absence, and the upcoming match against MI
- When
- Friday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
- Why
- To discuss RCB's readiness for the WPL season, the impact of key player absences, and the team's strategy for the upcoming match.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Team Dynamics and Replacements
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB will miss Ellyse Perry, who is irreplaceable, but young players like Sayali Sathgare are ready to step up.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
MI, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will defend their title with a consistent core team.
Team Performance and Expectations
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB aims to improve from their last-place finish in the previous season, focusing on building a winning mindset.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
MI, as defending champions, are expected to continue their winning streak and remain strong contenders.
- Teams
- Mumbai Indians (MI) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Match Date
- Friday (specific date not mentioned)
- Venue
- DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
- Key Player Absence
- Ellyse Perry (RCB)
- Replacement Player
- Sayali Sathgare (RCB)
- RCB Captain
- Smriti Mandhana
- MI Captain
- Harmanpreet Kaur
- RCB Squad Composition
- Young, high-quality group with a mix of experienced and new players
Sources
How WPL Shaped Harmanpreet Kaur's Winning Mindset
Harman’s record as captain untouchable, she has another 4-5 years to offer: Jhulan Goswami
Exclusive’ | Not for a moment have I thought that it’s not mine”: Anjum Chopra on India finally lifting Women’s World Cup
Harman's record as captain untouchable, she has another 4-5 years to offer: Jhulan Goswami
Harmanpreet Kaur’s record as captain untouchable, she has another 4-5 years to offer: Jhulan Goswami
We want to be the best in world, WPL is going to help: Smriti Mandhana
'Not one tournament, we want to dominate all year'
Smriti Mandhana Opens Up On Ellyse Perry's Absence From WPL 2026 Season, Labels Her As Irreplaceable
WPL 2026: Harmanpreet Kaur wishes to bat ‘more freely’ as she aims to win back-to-back titles for MI
