Smriti Mandhana’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are flying high in the ongoing WPL 2026 as they remain the only unbeaten side so far, with three wins in three games. In every game, different players have stepped up when needed, and as a unit, RCB have delivered consistently.
For instance, in their last match against Gujarat Giants (GG), they were in trouble at 43/4, but a 105-run partnership between Radha Yadav and Richa Ghosh completely changed the complexion of the game. Nadine de Klerk has also been impressive across all three games with her valuable all-round contributions.
Now, intending to extend their unbeaten run, RCB face Jemimah Rodrigues’ Delhi Capitals (DC) on January 17 at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. After two losses against the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Gujarat Giants, DC finally registered their first win of the season against the UP Warriorz (UPW), although in a nervy manner. With that confidence, DC will look to build momentum, and what better way to do so than by spoiling RCB’s perfect start.
Standings
Delhi Capitals: 4th position, 3 games – 1 win, 2 losses, 2 points, NRR -0.833
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 1st position, 3 games – 3 wins, 6 points, NRR +1.828
Head-to-Head record in the WPL
Overall: 7 matches – DC 5, RCB 2
At DY Patil Stadium: 1 match – DC 1, RCB 0
DC record at DY Patil Stadium: 8 matches – Won 5, Lost 3
RCB record at DY Patil Stadium: 6 matches – Won 4, Lost 2
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Players to watch out for
Delhi Capitals – Laura Wolvaardt
Ahead of the season, Laura Wolvaardt was expected to open alongside Shafali Verma. However, after three games, she has settled well into the No. 3 role. After a poor start against the Mumbai Indians, scoring just nine runs, she played a brilliant knock of 77 off 38 at a strike-rate of 202.63 against the Gujarat Giants. Unfortunately, it went in vain as DC lost by four runs. The standout aspect of that innings was how she accelerated later on.
In the very next game against UP Warriorz, she learned from that experience. On a slow and tricky wicket, she played a gritty, unbeaten 25 off 24 balls to guide DC home. She assessed the conditions well and played according to the situation, which is exactly what DC need from their number-three batter. Against RCB, Wolvaardt is expected to play another crucial role.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Shreyanka Patil
This has been a remarkable comeback season for RCB off-spinner Shreyanka Patil. With eight wickets in three games at an economy of 8.87, she is the joint-highest wicket-taker so far. After taking three wickets across the first two matches, she claimed her maiden WPL five-wicket haul against the Gujarat Giants. Her ability to vary pace has helped her deceive batters, and the DY Patil pitches have offered assistance to spinners who bowl the right line and length.
More than the wickets, it is the timing and quality of her scalps that stand out. Against MI, she dismissed G Kamalini, who was looking set. Against UPW, she removed Meg Lanning and Phoebe Litchfield, breaking the backbone of the opposition. Against GG, she first dismissed Beth Mooney, who was finally finding rhythm, and then Kanika Ahuja, who was timing the ball well.
Later, she broke the 56-run stand between Kashvee Gautam and Bharti Fulmali and also ended Tanuja Kanwar’s counter-attacking knock. Across powerplay, middle and death overs, Shreyanka has been a reliable option for Smriti Mandhana. With an eye on the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England, consistency through this WPL season will make it hard for the selectors to overlook her.
Playing XIs
DC
Shafali Verma, Lizelle Lee (WK), Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues (C), Marizanne Kapp, Niki Prasad, Chinelle Henry, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, N Shree Charani, Nandni Sharma.
RCB
Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana (C), D Hemalatha, Richa Ghosh (WK), Gautami Naik, Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell.
Also Read: UPW vs MI, WPL 2026: UP Warriorz seek consecutive wins against Mumbai Indians
