Mumbai Indians (MI) have begun their WPL 2026 campaign on a disappointing note after suffering a three-wicket loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the season opener at the DY Patil Stadium. Now, the defending champions have a chance to make an immediate comeback as they face Delhi Capitals (DC) on January 10 at the same venue.
Hayley Matthews missed the opening game against RCB due to shoulder strain, and MI will likely go into this match with the same playing XI. Another factor that could impact them is fatigue. After playing a high-intensity game against RCB, taking on another strong side like DC the very next day could be a challenge. Managing recovery and workload will be key for skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and her team.
DC, meanwhile, enter the season with a clear aim of lifting their maiden WPL title. In the last three seasons, they reached the final every time but failed to cross the line, finishing runners-up under former captain Meg Lanning. The franchise has now moved on from Lanning and handed the leadership role to Jemimah Rodrigues. Under her captaincy, DC will hope to finally break the runners-up jinx and go all the way.
Head-to-Head in WPL
Overall: 8 matches – MI 4, DC 4
At DY Patil Stadium: 2 matches – MI 1, DC 1
MI record at DY Patil: 7 matches – Won 4, Lost 3
DC record at DY Patil: 5 matches – Won 4, Lost 1
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Players to watch out for
Mumbai Indians – Nicola Carey
Nicola Carey had an encouraging WPL debut, scoring a crucial 40 off 29 balls and picking up two wickets. Although she conceded runs at an economy of 8.75, she showed promise with both the bat and ball. With the ball, she could have been more consistent with her line and length. However, her 82-run partnership with Sajana Sajeevan for the fifth wicket highlighted her value as a calm and reliable batting option. In the long run, Carey could become an important middle-order presence for MI.
Delhi Capitals – Shafali Verma
Shafali Verma returns to the DY Patil Stadium, a venue where she created history with an 87-run knock and two crucial wickets in the ODI World Cup final on November 2, 2025, earning the Player of the Match award. She comes into WPL 2026 in strong form. In the recently concluded five-match home T20I series, Shafali was named Player of the Series after scoring 241 runs in five innings, including three consecutive fifties (69*, 79*, and 79).
This run of form showcased the consistency fans had long been waiting for. Her shot selection looked more mature, and she played according to the merit of the deliveries. Expectations will be high from DC fans once again. Over the last three years, the Meg Lanning–Shafali Verma pair has been the most successful opening combination in WPL history, scoring 1,222 runs in 27 innings. Now, without Lanning at the other end, how Shafali continues to remain DC’s X-factor will be closely watched. She is set to open alongside Laura Wolvaardt.
Probable Playing XIs
MI
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), G Kamalini (WK), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, Amanjot Kaur, Nicola Carey, Poonam Khemnar, Shabnim Ismail, Sanskriti, S Sajana, Saika Ishaque
DC
Shafali Verma, Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues (C), Marizanne Kapp, Niki Prasad, Mamatha Madiwala (WK), Chinelle Henry, Sneh Rana, Alana King, N Shree Charani, Nandni Sharma
Also Read: GG vs UPW, WPL 2026: Can Meg Lanning’s UPW start with a win over GG?
