India, Jan. 9 -- The day is finally here. The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 will kick off on Friday with the tournament opener between two-time champions Mumbai Indians and one-time winner Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana will be at loggerheads as both teams aim to begin their campaign with a victory at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Mumbai Indians retained the bulk of their core from the previous three seasons, and the same can be said about RCB. However, the latter will be without Ellyse Perry as the Australian all-rounder pulled out at the last minute due to personal reasons.

Considering RCB are without Perry, the Mumbai Indians start as favourites, considering they have the likes o...