Wisden Cricket Weekly Women's Weekly: WPL 2026 preview! Power rankings, predictions and players to watch
Jan 9, 2026
Join cricket insiders Rahul Ayer, a Wisden India writer and analyst, and Aadya Sharma, a Bengaluru-based journalist, as they preview the upcoming Women's Premier League. They dive into the implications of venue changes and the missed hosting opportunity for Bengaluru. Explore team assessments, breakout player predictions like Kashvi Gautam and Georgia Wareham, and key auction moves. Plus, they discuss potential standout batters and bowlers, setting the stage for an exciting WPL season!
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WPL Uses Fewer Venues This Year
- The WPL is condensed into two venues this season to avoid clashes with other major events and venue availability issues.
- Hosts accepted a conservative leg-wise format rather than expanding locations despite growth opportunities after India's World Cup win.
Five Teams Limits League Growth
- The WPL's small size (five teams) prevents a true home-and-away structure and limits expansion options.
- The panel argues the league missed a prime moment to add teams after the mega auction and India's World Cup success.
Gujarat's Balance And Fitness Concerns
- Gujarat Giants look unbalanced on paper with top-order overseas batters and largely domestic bowling depth.
- Fitness doubts over key Indian pace options (Titash Sadhu, Kashvi Gautam) increase their vulnerability.