![WPL Captains 2026 [Source: @wplt20/x.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1739424842661_WPLCaptains2025.jpg?type=hq)
WPL Captains 2026 [Source: @wplt20/x.com]
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is just around the corner and with it comes the excitement of top-class cricket and, of course, some fierce leadership battles. Captains are the heartbeat of any cricket team, the ones who steer the ship through calm and storm.
This year, all five WPL franchises have named their skippers with a few new faces taking on the challenge. From India’s top stars to world champions from Down Under, the captains are all set to light up the tournament that runs from January 9 to February 5.
Here's a look at WPL Captains 2026:
List Of All WPL Captains 2026
| Team | Captain |
|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (RCB W) | Smriti Mandhana (India) |
| Mumbai Indians Women (MI W) | Harmanpreet Kaur (India) |
| Delhi Capitals Women (DC W) | Jemimah Rodrigues (India) |
| UP Warriorz Women (UPW) | Yet to be announced |
| Gujarat Giants Women (GG W) | Ashleigh Gardner (Australia) |
Smriti Mandhana – Royal Challengers Bengaluru
![Smriti Mandhana is RCB W captain [Source: @TheAllr0under/x.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1739425890584_SmritiMandhanaRCB.jpg?type=mq)
Smriti Mandhana is RCB W captain [Source: @TheAllr0under/x.com]
Smriti Mandhana, the left-handed swashbuckler, will once again lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru in WPL 2026. Known for her fearless batting and calm leadership, Smriti guided RCB to their maiden WPL title in 2024.
With 646 runs in 26 matches, she’s been a vital cog in RCB’s wheel. The youngest Indian to captain a T20I match, Smriti has shown she’s no stranger to pressure. Fans will be hoping for another title run under her captaincy this year.
Harmanpreet Kaur – Mumbai Indians
![Harmanpreet Kaur is MI W captain [Source: @yendhe_sakshi/x.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1739425999102_HarmanpreetKaurMIW.jpg?type=mq)
Harmanpreet Kaur is MI W captain [Source: @yendhe_sakshi/x.com]
Mumbai Indians Women Captain, Harmanpreet Kaur needs no introduction. The Indian skipper in all formats led MI to the inaugural WPL title in 2023 and in 2025. Known for her aggressive captaincy and power-hitting, Harmanpreet has scored 851 runs in 27 WPL games at an average of 40.52 and an impressive strike rate of 143.51.
With her experience, she’s the anchor that keeps MI steady in high-pressure situations. Expect fireworks when Harmanpreet takes the field this season as she aims to lead MI to another title.
Jemimah Rodrigues – Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals captain Jemimah Rodrigues (X.com/@gyanudatt8)
Just ahead of the fourth edition of the WPL, the JSW-GMR co-owned Delhi Capitals announced Jemimah Rodrigues as captain. This marks Jemimah’s full circle moment with the WPL franchise, who has been a cornerstone of the Capitals setup since the inaugural WPL season, where she was their first pick of the auction.
The 25-year-old, in the recently held ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, played a pivotal role with an unbeaten 127. Her innings powered India to a memorable world-record chase of 339 against Australia in the semi-final.
Moreover, for DC, Rodrigues has featured in 27 WPL matches, scoring 507 runs at an impressive strike rate of 137.67, including appearances in all three finals across the league’s three editions.
UP Warriorz - Yet to be announced
Ashleigh Gardner – Gujarat Giants
![Ashleigh Gardner is GG W captain [Source: @Iamshibashis/x.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1739426354058_AsheighGardnerGGW.jpg?type=mq)
Ashleigh Gardner is GG W captain [Source: @Iamshibashis/x.com]
Australian all-rounder, Ashleigh Gardner will take over the captaincy of Gujarat Giants from Beth Mooney in WPL 2026. Gardner, a three-time Women’s T20 World Cup winner, has been a consistent performer for GG with 567 runs and 25 wickets in 16 WPL matches.
Known for her explosive batting and excellent off-spin, Gardner brings both energy and experience to the table. After a brilliant WBBL 2025-26, she will aim to carry that form in WPL and lead GG to their first title.
FAQs: WPL Captains 2026
Q.1. Where is the WPL 2026 venue?
Answer: The fourth edition of WPL will take place across two venues: the first leg in Navi Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium and the second in Vadodara's Kotambi Stadium from January 9 to February 5.
Q.2. How many teams are in WPL 2026?
Answer: WPL 2026 features five teams: Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, UP Warriorz, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Q.3. Who is the captain of WPL Delhi?
Answer: Jemimah Rodrigues, the Indian star batter, is the captain of Delhi Capitals in WPL 2026.
Q.4. Which team is Smriti Mandhana on in WPL?
Answer: Smriti Mandhana plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in WPL 2026. She has been leading the team since the tournament's inaugural season.
Q.5. Who won the WPL 2024 final?
Answer: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the WPL 2024 final, securing their maiden title under Smriti Mandhana's captaincy.
