WPL 2026: Expectations from Star Batters
The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 is just around the corner, and cricket fans are eagerly anticipating the performances of top Indian batters, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues. With Mandhana captaining the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Jemimah stepping into the role for Delhi Capitals (DC), the stage is set for an electrifying showdown starting January 9, 2026.
Previous Performances Overview
Last season saw Mandhana leading RCB to victory, while Jemimah's reign as captain is just beginning. Both players have impressive track records in the tournament, making this comparison even more intriguing.
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | 26 | 646 | 24.84 | 128.68 |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | 27 | 507 | 28.16 | 139.66 |
Head-to-Head Batting Stats
Both players have had some standout performances against each other’s teams. Here's how they stack up:
Against DC and MI
| Player | Matches vs DC | Runs vs DC | Average vs DC | Strike Rate vs DC |
|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | 7 | 242 | 34.57 | 133.70 |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | 8 | 192 | 38.40 | 161.34 |
Performances in Winning Causes
Mandhana has played a crucial role in RCB's successes, scoring a total of 368 runs in 11 wins, averaging 33.45 with a strike rate of 135.29. On the other hand, Jemimah's role for DC has seen her score 289 runs in 17 winning matches at an impressive average of 36.12.
| Player | Runs in Wins | Average in Wins | Strike Rate in Wins |
|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | 368 | 33.45 | 135.29 |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | 289 | 36.12 | 140.29 |
Chasing vs Batting First
The players have different strengths when it comes to chases. Mandhana scored 372 runs in 13 matches while batting second, while Jemimah scored 203 runs in 15 chases.
Chasing and Batting Scores
| Player | Runs in Chases | Average in Chases | Strike Rate in Chases |
|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | 372 | 28.61 | 135.76 |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | 203 | 22.55 | 126.08 |
Closing Thoughts
As WPL 2026 approaches, the rivalry between Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues adds an exciting angle to the tournament. With both players demonstrating impressive records, their showdown promises to be a highlight of the season. Can Mandhana maintain her winning momentum, or will Jemimah shine in her inaugural captaincy? One thing is certain, fans are in for an unforgettable experience.