The Women’s Premier League was never meant to be just another tournament on the calendar. From its very conception, it was envisioned as a bridge, one that would reduce the long-standing gap between Indian domestic cricket and the international arena.
WPL 2026, in its opening three matches alone, has shown how effectively that bridge is now functioning.
When Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami told RevSportz that the WPL has changed how Indian players approach international cricket and played a decisive role in India’s World Cup success, they were pointing to this exact shift. What we are witnessing now is not promise, but proof.
Pressure Is No Longer a Foreign Language
In the opening game, Mumbai Indians found themselves under pressure while batting first. This is traditionally where domestic players tend to retreat, playing safe, hoping someone else takes responsibility.
Instead, Sajana Sajeevan stepped forward.
Yes, Nicola Carey was there for support. But Sajana’s innings was defined by intent and ownership. She didn’t merely survive the situation, she controlled it.
That is the first marker of a bridge being crossed: pressure no longer overwhelms, it clarifies.
Learning to Influence Games in Small Moments
The same theme surfaced again through Prema Rawat.
In a tight chase, when 22 were needed off seven balls, one boundary altered the equation. While Nadine de Klerk executed the finish, Prema’s ability to strike cleanly in that moment spoke of growing composure.
This is where WPL’s true impact lies, not every Indian player needs to be the finisher, but every player is learning how to contribute under stress. That mindset is unmistakably international.
Batting With, Not Around, Global Stars
Perhaps the most telling example came in the second match, when Anushka Sharma partnered Ashleigh Gardner for Gujarat Giants.
Batting alongside a proven global match-winner can intimidate even seasoned professionals. Anushka, however, played her shots, matched the tempo, and looked entirely at ease.
This is precisely what the WPL bridge was meant to achieve, familiarity without reverence, confidence without recklessness. Indian players now share the crease with international stars as equals, not spectators.
Rebuilding Skillsets, Not Just Careers
The second innings of that match further reinforced this evolution.
Shweta Sehrawat, once known primarily as a technically correct anchor, now plays with range and power. WPL exposure, role clarity, and backing have transformed her approach. The shots are bolder, the intent clearer, the body language unmistakably assertive.
Alongside her, Asha Sobhana Joy delivered a defining statement. Previously valued mainly for her bowling, her batting contribution nearly carried UP Warriorz over the line.
This is how the bridge works, not by replacing skills, but by expanding them. Bowlers bat with confidence, anchors accelerate without fear, and domestic players understand what the next level demands.
Why This Matters Beyond the League
For years, the difference between domestic dominance and international success lay in one word: translation. Skills didn’t always travel well under higher pressure and sharper scrutiny.
WPL has changed that ecosystem.
Indian players are now:
- Comfortable making decisions under pressure
- Clear about their roles in dynamic match situations
- Familiar with international standards before wearing the India jersey
- Mentally conditioned for big moments
That is why India’s rise in women’s cricket feels sustainable, not sudden.
WPL was never just a league. It was always a bridge.
WPL 2026 is simply showing us how many Indian players are now confidently crossing it.
Also Read: DC vs GG, WPL 2026: Jemimah’s DC look for quick turnaround as GG eye second straight win
