A huge game beckons for the defending champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), on January 26 as they face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in WPL 2026 at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. With only two wins from six games and, most importantly, after suffering three successive defeats, MI are in danger of missing out on a playoff spot. A loss against RCB later today could make it almost impossible for them to stay alive in the playoff race, as they would then be heavily dependent on the results of other matches.
Meanwhile, RCB suffered their first loss of the season in their previous game against Delhi Capitals (DC) after winning five matches on the trot. However, they will hope for a quick turnaround, as at least one more win from their remaining two games will seal a direct spot in the final.
Standings
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 1st position, 6 matches – 5 wins, 1 loss, 10 points, NRR +1.236
Mumbai Indians: 4th position, 6 matches – 2 wins, 4 losses, 4 points, NRR +0.046
Head-to-head record in the WPL
Overall: 8 matches – RCB 4, MI 4
At Kotambi Stadium: Yet to play
RCB record at Kotambi Stadium: 4 matches – Won 3, Lost 1
MI record at Kotambi Stadium: 3 matches – Won 1, Lost 2
What happened in the first meeting of this edition?
It was the first game of the season, and MI, asked to bat first, posted a competitive total of 154/6 in 20 overs. G Kamalini scored 32 off 28 balls, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur added 20 runs. However, it was the 82-run partnership between Nicola Carey (40 off 29) and Sajeevan Sajana (45 off 25) that helped them cross the 150-run mark.
For RCB, Nadine de Klerk starred with the ball, picking up four wickets, while Lauren Bell and Shreyanka Patil claimed one wicket each.
In reply, RCB were in trouble after being reduced to 65/5. Then, following her heroics with the ball, de Klerk added 52 runs with Arundhati Reddy (20) to keep RCB alive in the chase. She eventually remained unbeaten on 63 off 44 balls, guiding RCB to victory and stunning the defending champions. For her all-round performance, she was named Player of the Match.
Players to watch out for
RCB – Nadine de Klerk
RCB’s star all-rounder de Klerk will look to play a key role once again against MI. In the reverse fixture, her variations with the ball, especially the slower deliveries, proved effective against the MI batters. Given the way the Kotambi pitches have behaved, she could be Smriti Mandhana’s biggest weapon in the middle overs.
With 10 wickets in six innings, Nadine is currently third in the Purple Cap race. With the bat, she has already delivered crucial contributions, including her knock against MI and a quickfire 26 against Gujarat Giants (GG). RCB fans will hope for another impactful outing from her in Vadodara.
MI – Nat Sciver-Brunt
MI’s success in the WPL has often depended on Sciver-Brunt’s form, both with the bat and ball. However, with the ball, the England skipper has struggled this season, picking up seven wickets in five innings at an economy rate of 9.33.
With the bat, she has been consistent, scoring 219 runs in five innings at an average of 54.75 and a strike-rate of 146.97, including three half-centuries.
While MI fans will want her to continue her batting form, they will also expect her to be more economical, especially in the crucial overs. If MI decide to bring in Amelia Kerr in place of Shabnim Ismail, Sciver-Brunt’s responsibility as an experienced seamer will increase, which could pose a challenge given her current bowling form.
Probable Playing XIs
RCB
Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana (C), Georgia Voll, Gautami Naik, Richa Ghosh (WK), Nadine de Klerk, Radha Yadav, Prema Rawat, Shreyanka Patil, Sayali Satghare, Lauren Bell.
MI
Rahila Firdous (WK), Amelia Kerr, S Sajana, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Nicola Carey, Amanjot Kaur, Poonam Khemnar, Sanskriti Gupta, Shabnim Ismail, Vaishnavi Sharma.
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