Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals Women will take place in the Final of the Women's Premier League 2026 at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, on Thursday. Royal Challengers Bengaluru topped the table with six wins and directly qualified for the final. They defeated UP Warriorz Women in their last match, successfully chasing down the target of 144 runs in just 13.1 overs. Captain Smriti Mandhana was the standout performer for RCB, scoring 290 runs in this tournament.

On the other hand, the Delhi Capitals Women won the eliminator match by seven wickets against the Gujarat Giants Women and booked their spot for the final match. They comfortably chased down the target of 169 runs in 15.4 overs. Jemimah Rodrigues was the player of the match in the previous match. In their last head-to-head match, Delhi Capital Women beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women by seven wickets.

Also Read: Delhi Capitals Women reach WPL 2026 Final after thrashing Gujarat Giants Women in Eliminator

GG-W vs DC-W Today Match Prediction, Eliminator WPL 2026 – Who Will Win?

RCB-W vs DC-W Match Details

• Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women vs Delhi Capitals Women, Final 

• Date: 5th February 2026

• Time: 7.30 PM IST

• Venue: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara 

• Live Streaming: JioHotstar 

RCB-W vs DC-W Weather Report

Pitch Report - Kotambi Stadium

The track at Kotambi Stadium is ideal for batters from the start, as it offers a true bounce and compact boundaries that enable aggressive strokeplay. The chasing team benefits from the dew in the second innings, particularly during the closing stages.

Top Batters to Watch – RCB-W vs DC-W

• Smriti Mandhana (RCB-W): 290 runs in this tournament 

• Lizelle Lee (DC-W): 283 runs in this tournament 

• Laura Wolvaardt (DC-W): 273 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowlers to Watch – RCB-W vs DC-W

• Nadine de Klerk (RCB-W): 15 wickets in this tournament 

• Nandni Sharma (DC-W): 16 wickets in this tournament 

• Shree Charani (DC-W): 14 wickets in this tournament 

RCB-W vs DC-W Recent Form

RCB-W vs DC-W Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If DC-W Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 35–45

• Predicted Total: 150–165

• Match Result: RCB-W to win

Scenario 2: If RCB-W Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 40–50

• Predicted Total: 170–180

• Match Result: RCB-W to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

RCB-W vs DC-W Predicted Playing XIs

Royal Challengers Bangalore 

Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana(c), Georgia Voll, Radha Yadav, Richa Ghosh(w), Nadine de Klerk, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Sayali Satghare, Shreyanka Patil, Lauren Bell.

Delhi Capitals Women 

Lizelle Lee(w), Shafali Verma, Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues(c), Marizanne Kapp, Chinelle Henry, Niki Prasad, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma

Why Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women Are Favourites Today

• Strong top-order

• Captain Smriti Mandhana is in excellent form 

• Excellent pace and spin bowler

RCB-W vs DC-W Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

According to our RCB-W vs DC-W today match prediction, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women are the favourites to win this Women's Premier League 2026 final match. Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana and Nadine de Klerk are expected to be the key performers.

RCB-W vs DC-W Match FAQs

The 16th match of the WPL 2026 was very special, which was between RCB Women and MI Women at Vadodara on Monday night (January 26). This match experienced the first-ever WPL century, as well as a stunning fight from Richa Ghosh in the chase. 

After the points table leader RCB Women chose to field first, the defending and record two-time champions MI Women scored 199/4 in 20 overs, thanks to the first-ever WPL century, as the English star Nat Sciver-Brunt scored 100 not out off 57 balls with 16 fours and one six.

In reply, RCB Women were once struggling at 35/5, from where Richa Ghosh produced a stunning counter-attacking knock to change the atmosphere. Although RCB Women lost the game, it became very close, as RCB Women lost the match by 15 runs after managing 184/9 in 20 overs.

The no.6 wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh scored 90 off 50 balls with the help of 10 fours and six sixes. The next batter Nadine de Klerk was their only other batter to manage the 20-run mark, as the South African scored 28 off 20 balls. Richa completed her fifty in 39 balls, which recovered their innings, while they were once out of the game comfortably.

Watch: Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube practicing right after India's emphatic win against New Zealand in 3rd T20I

Watch: Richa Ghosh hit three back-to-back fours

During her 90-run knock, Richa hit three consecutive fours to Amelia Kerr in the 16th over.

A hat-trick of fours 🔥

Richa Ghosh leading #RCB's fight in Vadodara 💪

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/yUHXkzVIZw #TATAWPL | #KhelEmotionKa | #RCBvMI | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/pyfGuIv6dL

— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) January 26, 2026

Watch: Richa Ghosh hit three consecutive sixes

Later, in the 19th over, Richa slammed three back-to-back sixes in the first three balls. Only on the final ball of the match, she was caught out, but her innings will always be remembered as a great unbeatable example in women's cricket. 

6⃣, 6⃣, 6⃣ 💥

Richa Ghosh displayed her power with a brutal knock of 9⃣0⃣(50) 👏👏

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/yUHXkzVIZw #TATAWPL | #KhelEmotionKa | #RCBvMI | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/khKXH3sup9

— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) January 26, 2026

RCB-W vs MI-W Match Preview

RCB-W vs MI-W Match Details

Royal Challengers Bangalore Women vs Mumbai Indians Women – 16th Match, WPL 2026

Venue: BCA Stadium, Kotambi

Date & Time: 26th January 2025 at 07:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: JioHotstar

RCB-W vs MI-W Venue Stats 

RCB-W vs MI-W Pitch Report

When batters get their focus in during a T20 at Kotambi Stadium, they are able to hard at the bowlers right away because the bounce is consistent and the boundaries are tighter. 

RCB-W vs MI-W Weather Report

The evening will be clear, with a high of 26 degrees Celsius during the time of the match 

RCB-W vs MI-W Last Five Matches

RCB-W vs MI-W Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: WPL 2026: RCB-W vs DC-W Dream11 Prediction 15th Match

RCB-W vs MI-W Probable Playing XIs:

Royal Challengers Bangalore Women Probable Playing XIs

Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana(c), Georgia Voll, Gautami Naik, Richa Ghosh(w), Nadine de Klerk, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Sayali Satghare, Lauren Bell

Mumbai Indians Women Probable Playing XIs

Hayley Matthews, Gunalan Kamalini(w), Amelia Kerr, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Amanjot Kaur, Nicola Carey, Sajeevan Sajana, Sanskriti Gupta, Nalla Kranthi Reddy, Triveni Vasistha 

Topmost Picks for RCB-W vs MI-W Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Royal Challengers Bangalore Women

• Smriti Mandhana – Skipper Smriti Mandhana is leading from the front, scoring 230 runs in six games at a strike rate of 135.
• Nadine de Klerk – Nadine de Klerk has been outstanding, grabbing 10 wickets at an economy of only 7.05.

Top Picks – Mumbai Indians Women

• Harmanpreet Kaur – Harmanpreet Kaur worked from the front as the captain, scoring 240 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 144, including two fifties.
• Amelia Kerr – Amelia Kerr has been the team's most successful wicket-taker, with 10 scalps in five games and an economy rate of 7.35.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for RCB-W vs MI-W Dream11 Team:

Richa Ghosh, Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana(VC), Amelia Kerr, Nat Sciver-Brunt(C), Harmanpreet Kaur, Nadine de Klerk, Nicola Carey, Shreyanka Patil, Sanskriti Gupta, Lauren Bell

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Nadine de Klerk, Nat Sciver-Brunt

Vice-captain – Smriti Mandhana, Amelia Kerr

Wicketkeeper – Richa Ghosh

RCB-W vs MI-W Probable Winners:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women were the standout team this season, and they will look to continue their strong run as they face Mumbai Indians Women, a team they have dispatched once this tournament. Mumbai has some serious firepower in their lineup, and when Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Amanjot Kaur are on their game, they can beat anyone. However, consistency has been a problem for them this season, which is why they are currently on a three-match losing streak. RCB, in contrast, look like the more complete unit and have the advantage, especially given how well they're playing right now. Considering the team combination, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women is expected to win this match.

RCB-W vs MI-W FAQ

Cricket enthusiasts of Siliguri and North Bengal have reasons to enjoy as the city will now get its new cricket stadium, named after their city girl, Richa Ghosh, the wicket-keeper batter of the women’s World Cup 2025 winner. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is currently in Siliguri, declared that the stadium would be named after Richa.

Richa has overall smashed 1145 runs in 49 innings of the Women’s ODIs at an average of 29.35 and a strike rate of 103.90 with the help of seven half-centuries at the best score of 96. In the final, the right-handed batter clubbed 34 runs against South Africa at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

See Also: “Not getting runs for…”- Former BCCI selector slams India’s back-up batters ahead of South Africa series

“We have decided to build a cricket stadium in Siliguri. It will be named after Richa Ghosh. I have asked Mayor Gautam Deb to oversee the project that would come up at Chandmoni. Around 27 acres of land have been identified for the project.” Mamata, while interacting at a government function in Uttarkanya, the state’s branch secretariat, expressed.

West Bengal CM promises new cricket stadium in Darjeeling after Richa Ghosh

The announcement has fulfilled a longstanding demand of Siliguri’s cricket lovers. The lack of a proper stadium in the region has deprived promising players of chances to train and perform. Apart from Richa, Siliguri has produced Wriddhiman Saha, another keeper from the same region. The only major sports venue in the city, Kanchenjunga Stadium, spans seven acres.

“Richa, a member of the Indian women’s cricket team that brought glory to the nation, was felicitated both in her hometown and in Calcutta by the state government and the Cricket Association of Bengal. We want this stadium to be dedicated to her so that people remember her achievements and draw inspiration from her success.” Richa addressed.

We will shortly introduce 10 buses to reach children from the tea estates to their schools. The Centre has time and again said that it will reopen closed tea estates, but it is the state government that has recently opened 24 such estates.” Wriddhiman Saha’s former coach, Jayanta Bhowmick, shed light.

The historic success of the India Women's cricket team in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 is set to have a massive impact on Indian women's cricket. Recently, one of the heroes of the recently concluded Women's Cricket World Cup-winning team has been promised a cricket stadium to be named in her honour.

Richa Ghosh was crucial name for India Women's success in ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025

The 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh played a huge role in helping the hosts to win their historic first ICC trophy, the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025. She scored 235 runs in eight innings with an average of 39.16 and a strike rate of 133.52. She played some furious knocks in the entire tournament, and finished with the highest strike-rate in the tournament (among the batters who faced at least 20 balls in the tournament).

Apart from lots of awards, Richa Ghosh has been honoured in her state, West Bengal, as she has been honoured with "Banga Bhushan", DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police) post, a gold chain, along with the award of INR 34 lakhs, honouring her crucial knock of 34 off 24 balls against South Africa Women in the Final. 

See Also: Mohammad Shami refused to play India A vs England Lions 2025 series? Report drops bombshell

It should be named the Richa Cricket Stadium: Mamata Banerjee

Moreover, the West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjere has also announced to make a cricket stadium in Darjeeling, which should be named the Richa Cricket Stadium.  

Mamata Banerjee said, “Richa became a world champion at just 22. On behalf of the West Bengal government, we honoured her, but I want to do more. There’s about 27 acres of land in Darjeeling, and I’ve asked the mayor to plan a cricket stadium there. It should be named the Richa Cricket Stadium so that people remember her performance in the future and are inspired by it.”

Not only in the Final of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, Richa Ghosh, made several marks in the entire tournament, especially with her batting. In the league stage match against South Africa Women, when India Women were struggling, Richa produced her career best knock of 94 runs off 77 balls with the help of 11 fours and four sixes.  

ICC Women's World Cup 2025 winning team India star Richa Ghosh arrived at her hometown, Siliguri, West Bengal, with a grand welcome on Friday (November 7). 

Richa Ghosh, the wicketkeeper-batter, was a constant and key figure behind India's maiden World Cup-winning campaign. She played a crucial 34-run knock in the final against the South Africa Women's team. But Richa's best batting performance came out during the India Women vs. South Africa Women group stage match at Visakhapatnam. In that match, she scored 94 runs against 77 deliveries, with the help of 11 boundaries and 4 over boundaries. Though, South Africa was the better performer than India for that encounter. 

A day ago, when the India Women's Cricket Team went to the Prime Minister's residence to meet with PM Narendra Modi, Richa got an appraisal from the Prime Minister himself. During the conversation with the team members, PM Modi said to Ghosh, "Richa, you win every game you play, don’t you? Richa gets a chance everywhere." 

Read More: Former Pakistan pacer who took 5 wickets in IND vs PAK WC 2011 semifinal got major role in PCB

Richa Ghosh received grand welcome in Siliguri, her home town

#WATCH | West Bengal: Cricketer Richa Ghosh returned to her home in Siliguri today, amid a grand welcome. She is a part of the World Cup-winning Indian Women's team. pic.twitter.com/o0YjHF6JRX

— ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2025

In reply she said, "Don’t know, sir. But yes, when we were under-19s, seniors, and in the WPL, we used to win trophies."

In the final, India went to bat first and scored 298 runs in exchange for 7 wickets. In the second innings, South Africa started the run chase well with Tazmin Brits and their skipper, Laura Wolvaardt. After the first wicket down, Laura appeared as their only hope to win the final. She smashed 101 runs. But a solo effort was not enough to win the summit clash. The India Women's Cricket Team won the World Cup for the first time in the history of cricket. 

The time has come to witness two of the top teams colliding at the league stage in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. India Women vs Australia Women will be the 13th match in the tournament. It is scheduled to take place at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

India Women and Australia Women have a rich history when it comes to ODI cricket. The two teams have met 59 times in the past, and Australia Women hold a massive advantage with 48 wins. India Women has managed to score 11 wins. Australia Women currently lead the points table with five points, while India Women hold the third position in the points table with four points.

IND-W vs AUS-W Match Details

Date: 12th October 2025

Time: 3:00 PM IST

Venue: Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium

Live Streaming: Fancode

IND-W vs AUS-W Weather Report

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game.

Also Read: PAK vs SA Dream11 Prediction 1st Test match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

Top Batters IND-W vs AUS-W

• Richa Ghosh (IND-W) - 131 runs in this tournament 

• Beth Mooney (AUS-W) - 121 runs in this tournament 

• Ash Gardner (AUS-W) - 116 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowler IND-W vs AUS-W

• Deepti Sharma (IND-W) - 7 wickets in this tournament 

• Kranti Gaud (IND-W) - 6 wickets in this tournament 

• Sneh Rana (IND-W) - 6 wickets in this tournament 

IND-W vs AUS-W Recent Performance

IND-W vs AUS-W Today's Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If AUS-W bats first

• Powerplay prediction - 50-60 Runs

• First Innings score prediction - AUS-W is expected to score 260- 280 runs

• Result prediction- AUS-W will win the match by 20-40 runs

Scenario 2- If the IND-W bats first

• Powerplay prediction - 45-55 Runs

• First Innings score prediction- IND-W is expected to score 220-240 runs

• Result prediction- AUS-W will win the match by 4 wickets 

Who will hit the Most Sixes?

Who will hit the most sixes for India Women in the match: Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh

Who will hit the most sixes for Australia Women in the match: Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland

Who will hit the Most Fours?

Who will hit the most fours for India Women in the match: Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol 

Who will hit the most fours for Australia Women in the match: Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield

IND-W vs AUS-W Predicted Playing XI

India Women (ENG-W) Playing XI 

Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur ©, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Kranti Goud, Shree Charani

Australia Women (SL-W) Playing XI 

Alyssa Healy (wk/c), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Georgia Wareham, Alana King, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt.

IND-W vs AUS-W Complete Squad

India Women - 

Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Uma Chetry, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud.

Australia Women -

Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.

IND-W vs AUS-W Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

Australia Women to win

We predict that Australia Women will win this ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 match. Annabelle Sutherland, Ash Gardner and Beth Mooney will be key players to watch out for.

FAQs – IND-W vs AUS-W Today Match Prediction

Q1. What is the venue for today’s IND-W vs AUS-W match?

A: The match will be played at Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium

Q2. Who will win today’s IND-W vs AUS-W match?

A: According to today's match prediction, Australia Women are favorites to win the 13th ODI of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

Q3. What is the weather forecast for the IND-W vs AUS-W match?

A: The weather is expected to be clear with no chances of rain and ideal conditions for cricket.

Q4. Who are the key players to watch in today’s match?

A: Annabelle Sutherland, Ash Gardner and Beth Mooney for Australia Women; Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh for India Women.

Some innings don’t need a century to be significant. They evoke feelings, influence millions, and are immortalized in the minds of cricket enthusiasts. They provide historical significance for cricket nostalgia. One of DHONI’s 91 in 2011, KL Rahul’s brave 97 in 2023, and Richa Ghosh’s daring 94 in 2025; there seems to be a common understanding of acknowledging the reality that the legacy of performance can have a wider influence far beyond the pattern of the milestone.

M. S. Dhoni—The Finisher’s Clinic (91 v Sri Lanka, 2011) Calm and Composed

With Asia's expectation upon them to chase Sri Lanka's score in the 2011 World Cup Final, India took to the big stage under the pressure of pursuing runs. Enter Dhoni, captain but also the cavalry, who promoted himself above Yuvraj Singh, absorbing the pressure to build the partnership that slowed and turned the game India's way. The phrase 'helicopter shot' has a meaning to Indian cricket that is forever intertwined with that monumental 91* not out achieved from 79 balls.

The Captain Who Delivers

DHONI’s innings were more than just runs; he was playing to portray leadership when it mattered most instead of only moments of mediocrity. He demonstrated greatness that lies in taking responsibility when it matters. A number of runs is less relevant; his 91* not out will forever remain one of the most significant scores made in a World Cup final.

KL Rahul – One Man Army (97 vs Australia, 2023)  An Encounter Against the Odds

KL Rahul managed to score 97 runs in the 2023 World Cup final, playing under tremendous pressure. Faced with the loss of early wickets, Rahul came into bat and steadied the innings with maturity and a calm head. Every boundary, every single connection, is connected to hope for the billions of viewers who are watching at home.

Composure Under Pressure

While he narrowly missed out on his century, Rahul's innings stood out for its control and guts. Even in the end, he commanded respect for his level-headedness against a world-class Australian attack. His 97 wasn't just a score; it sent a powerful message that grit and grace can trump a century.

Some 90s from Indian wicketkeeper-batters hit harder than tons in World Cups 💥

📸:JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/RNRTErkml2

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) October 9, 2025

See Also: Know details of number of retentions and dates for mega auction of Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025

Richa Ghosh – The Brave Soldier (94 vs South Africa, 2025)  The Next Era of Indian Cricket

Richa Ghosh's brilliant innings of 94 off 77 balls in the 2025 Women’s World Cup semifinal on the world's stage was an indication of an emerging star. At just 21 years old, she walked in when India was under pressure and turned the game around with fearless hitting. Beautiful thick shots with insane confidence; Richa Ghosh embodying a new era of Indian spirit.

Continuing the Legacy

Richa may not have reached her hundred, but her innings spoke for itself. It showed glimpses of Dhoni's calmness and Rahul's focus, but with her added bit of fire. By this innings, she has shown that Indian women's cricket has entered a bold new era—of a name with Richa Ghosh on the wall of legends.

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh once again rescued India Women in the ongoing ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, as her brilliant 94 off 77 balls helped the hosts to set a challenging target of 252 runs. During that unforgettable knock, she created a new history in Women's ODI. 

Richa Ghosh and Sneh Rana rescued India Women with an 88-run partnership for 8th wicket

After South Africa Women chose to field first at Vizaq in the delayed start, India Women got a good start with a 55-run partnership for the first wicket. But after that opening partnership was broken, India Women were struggling deeply at 102/6. However, India Women had two 50+ partnerships for the seventh and eighth wickets, while Richa Ghosh and Sneh Rana had an 88-run partnership for the eighth wicket, as India Women scored 251 before losing all their wickets in the 50th over. 

See Also: Know details of number of retentions and dates for mega auction of Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025

Women's ODI record: Richa Ghosh recorded highest score among the no.8 or lower-order batters

Richa Ghosh scored 94 off 77 balls with 11 fours and four sixes, as her batting played a huge role for the hosts to manage a challenging total on the tricky batting pitch, where spinners have dominated in the first innings. During that rescue innings, Ghosh created some great records. 

• Ghosh recorded the highest score at the no.8 or lower batting positions in the history of Women's ODI. The previous record was 74 by South Africa Women cricketer Chloe Tryon against Sri Lanka Women at Colombo (RPS) last May.
• Ghosh recorded the highest score at the no.7 or lower batting positions in the history of the Women's Cricket World Cup. The previous record was 74 not out by Ally Kuylaars (South Africa Women) vs Pakistan Women in the 1997 Vadodara WODI. 
• Ghosh recorded the second-highest score at the no.6 or lower batting positions in the history of the Women's Cricket World Cup. The record is 115 by Ashleigh Gardner from Australia Women against New Zealand Women at Indore during the second game of the ongoing tournament. 
• Ghosh set the new record for the highest score by an Indian Women batter at no.6 or lower in Women's ODI history. The previous record was 93 by Deepti Sharma against South Africa Women at Colombo (RPS) last May. 
• Ghosh recorded the highest score by an India Women's wicketkeeper-batter in the history of the Women's Cricket World Cup. The previous record was 88 by Fowzieh Khalili against England Women in the 1982 edition.
• The 88-run partnership for the eighth wicket between Ghosh and Sneh Rana was the highest eighth-wicket or lower-wicket partnership for India Women in Women's ODI history. Their previous record was the 76-run partnership between Pooja Vastrakar and Sushma Verma for the eighth wicket against Australia Women in Vadodra in 2018. 
  
   

As the Women's Premier League (WPL) prepares for its fourth season, a major shake-up could be on the cards with the possible return of a mega auction in 2026. This move, reminiscent of the men’s IPL format, could see teams rebuilding their squads almost from scratch, retaining only a select few players while the rest return to the auction pool.

While the final rules regarding the number of retentions, auction purse, and right-to-match (RTM) cards are yet to be confirmed, every franchise will be strategizing carefully. For Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who finally tasted glory in the WPL, identifying their core group will be crucial to maintaining balance and momentum.

Here’s a look at five players RCB must retain ahead of the WPL 2026 auction.

1. Smriti Mandhana

An obvious choice, Smriti Mandhana remains the heartbeat of RCB. As captain and opener, she has led from the front with consistent performances and smart leadership. Her evolution as a batter and her ability to anchor or accelerate depending on the situation make her indispensable.

Having guided RCB to their maiden WPL title and continuing to shine at the international level, Mandhana embodies what the franchise stands for class, composure, and consistency. There’s no question that RCB will build their next cycle around her.

2. Richa Ghosh

Dynamic, fearless, and efficient, Richa Ghosh is one of the finest wicketkeeper-batters in the country. At just 22, she has already proven her worth in crunch situations, whether it’s finishing innings with power or keeping her cool behind the stumps.

Given the scarcity of high-quality Indian wicketkeepers in the women’s circuit, letting Ghosh go would be a huge risk. Her maturity and composure have made her an invaluable part of RCB’s middle order, and she is undoubtedly a long-term investment.

3. Ellyse Perry

When it comes to reliability and impact, Ellyse Perry is in a league of her own. A proven match-winner across formats, Perry has been the backbone of RCB’s batting order, combining elegance with consistency.

She was RCB’s top run-scorer and the second-highest overall in one of the earlier editions, averaging close to 65 with a healthy strike rate. Her performances in other leagues, like the WBBL and The Hundred, have shown she still has plenty to offer. RCB will know that replacing someone of Perry’s calibre from the auction pool would be almost impossible.

ALSO SEE: Delhi High Court dismisses PIL against BCCI using ‘Team India’ name

4. Sophie Molineux

Versatile and tactical, Sophie Molineux adds immense value as a left-arm spinner and lower-order batter. Her absence due to injury was a major blow for RCB in 2025, especially after her key role in their championship-winning 2024 campaign.

Recently, Molineux has continued to impress on the global stage, helping the Melbourne Renegades clinch the BBL 2024-25 title and delivering standout performances in the ongoing Women’s ODI World Cup. Her ability to deliver breakthroughs and contribute with the bat makes her one of the smartest retentions RCB could make.

5. Shreyanka Patil

Shreyanka Patil’s rise has been one of RCB’s biggest success stories. The leading wicket-taker in the WPL 2024, she quickly established herself as one of India’s most exciting young spinners before injuries sidelined her in 2025.

Now back in action after featuring in the 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Shreyanka is seen as a key piece in RCB’s future plans. Her blend of wicket-taking ability, energy, and aggression makes her a player around whom RCB can build their spin attack for years to come.

Honourable Mentions:

• Georgia Wareham – Reliable leg-spinner and handy lower-order hitter.
• Sneh Rana – Experienced Indian all-rounder with leadership traits.
• Renuka Singh Thakur – Proven new-ball bowler capable of early breakthroughs.

Final Thoughts

With a potential mega auction on the horizon, Royal Challengers Bangalore face the tough task of balancing experience and youth. However, retaining the likes of Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Ellyse Perry, Sophie Molineux, and Shreyanka Patil would give them a stable and formidable core, one that can ensure sustained success and possibly more silverware in the seasons to come.