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RCB, Giants Look to Build on Strong WPL 2026 Starts


 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have enjoyed a dream opening to their WPL 2026 campaign. Impressively, their two victories have come in completely contrasting styles—first a thrilling last-ball win against Mumbai Indians, followed by a dominant performance over UP Warriorz. Such versatility so early in the season gives RCB strong momentum as they look to maintain their unbeaten run.

Questions about team balance and combinations have been answered, at least for now, by RCB’s disciplined bowling unit. New signing Lauren Bell has been exceptional, conceding just 3.75 runs per over—the only bowler in the league operating under four an over—and maintaining an outstanding dot-ball percentage of 70.8%. Nadine de Klerk has also been influential, picking up six wickets and providing control in the middle overs.

RCB’s opening pair has been another bright spot. Grace Harris and Smriti Mandhana have consistently set the tone, while de Klerk delivered one of the most memorable death-overs innings in WPL history when the team needed it most. Although the middle order is yet to fire collectively, RCB already have plenty of positives to build upon.

Gujarat Giants, meanwhile, have mirrored RCB with two wins from two to start their season. Their overseas group—Sophie Devine, Ash Gardner, and Georgia Wareham—made an immediate impact, while Anushka Sharma impressed in her opening appearance. Bharti Fulmali has played the finisher’s role superbly in back-to-back matches, and Kanika Ahuja will be eager to perform against her former franchise.

However, Gujarat’s bowling remains a concern. Their attack has leaked runs consistently and it cost them in their defeat to Mumbai Indians earlier this week. Renuka Singh Thakur has the most economical figures among their bowlers, but even she sits at a high 8.10. The Giants will need a tighter display if they want to challenge RCB’s powerful lineup.

As the WPL approaches the final stretch of its Navi Mumbai leg, fans can look forward to a high-intensity contest.

Match Details

When: Friday, January 16 at 7:30 PM IST
Where: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai

Pitch/Conditions:
The pitches in Navi Mumbai are wearing out, offering more grip and slower bounce. However, with dew expected later in the evening, teams will likely prefer to bowl first.

Team News

Gujarat Giants

If Anushka Sharma is fully fit, she is expected to return in place of Ayushi Soni, who struggled in her previous outing with a 14-ball 11 before being retired out.

Probable XI:
Beth Mooney (wk), Sophie Devine, Anushka Sharma/Ayushi Soni, Ashleigh Gardner (C), Kanika Ahuja, Georgia Wareham, Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwer, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Thakur

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

With back-to-back wins and no injury concerns, RCB are unlikely to make changes to their playing XI.

Probable XI:
Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana (C), Dayalan Hemalatha, Gautami Naik, Richa Ghosh (wk), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell

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