With only three matches remaining in the 2026 Women’s Premier League, the qualification scenario has still kept everyone on the edge. While Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have secured their playoff spot with 10 points, the remaining two playoff positions are still undecided. Gujarat Giants sit in a strong position with eight points, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals are also not far with both tied at six points. UP Warriorz also have the possibility to qualify mathematically if the other results swing wildly in their favour.
The central theme of this season has been the evolution of the domestic mindset; moving from a state of intimidation to one of absolute tactical ownership. We have seen Indian players like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma perform in the earlier seasons of the tournament but 2026 has been all about rising domestic stars.
Players like Nandini Sharma have personified this shift; her historic hat-trick and five-wicket haul for Delhi Capitals was not just flashes of brilliance but the result of a calm attitude that domestic bowlers now carry into every over. This grit is mirrored by Minnu Mani of the same team, who has evolved into a calming tactical player on the field.
Kashvee Gautam, who is playing for the Gujarat Giants, has done an exceptional job alongside Sophie Devine, bowling the death overs. Although we have seen a few no balls from her in this season, her attitude on the field has been extremely positive and the aggression that is expected from a pacer, exists in her. We have seen Anushka Sharma come in and anchor an innings alongside Ashleigh Garnder in the first match of Gujrat Giants against UP Warriorz.
This relentless hard work is perhaps also visible in the fearlessness of the finishers. Bharti Fulmali has walked into high-pressure chases with the singular intent to dominate rather than survive. Meanwhile, Tanuja Kanwar has provided the Giants with world-class consistency, proving that domestic players can maintain elite standards over an entire gruelling season.
Big international stars like Nat Sciver Brunt for the Mumbai Indians, Sophie Devine for the Giants, Lizelle Lee for the Delhi Capitals have been match winners but these domestic players no longer play the supporting role. They have stepped forward, taken the charge and have tried to dominate. While Mandhana’s 96 against DC became the talk of town, one must also not forget the three crucial wickets taken by Sayali Satghare. Sayali came in as a replacement of Ellyse Perry and has dominated with the ball throughout. The 72 runs hit by Gautami Naik from RCB against Gujarat Giants is also noteworthy. Nikki Prasad’s 47 of 24 runs should also be the highlight as it almost helped DC come closer to the target of 174 which looked impossible at one point.
In the beginning of the season, we saw G Kamalini dominate with the bat for Mumbai Indians. After being ruled out from the tournament due to a niggle, Rahila Firdous came in as a keeper and has been doing a good job behind the stumps.
These players are no longer just hoping for a national call-up; they are demanding it through performances that prove the “Indian mindset” is now synonymous with professional, high-stakes excellence.
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