Smriti Mandhana, captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and a key player for the Indian women’s cricket team, says the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is helping the national side improve and move closer to becoming the best team in the world.
Mandhana’s Message Before WPL 2026
Speaking ahead of the WPL 2026 season opener, Mandhana said the league has played an important role in building strength and confidence in Indian women’s cricket after their maiden ODI World Cup win.
“We all know that we won the (ODI) World Cup, yes, but there are a lot of things in the team that we need to work on. We really want to say that we are the best team in the world. We still have a lot of things to improve on and I am sure WPL is going to bridge that gap for us.”
She added that the team wants to dominate across formats, not just one or two tournaments, but throughout the year.
Role of WPL in Future Goals
Mandhana emphasised that the WPL gives players a chance to face strong competition, improve their game, and prepare better for big international events like the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in England later this year.
She also suggested that standout performances in the WPL could help young players push for selection in the national team.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s Support
Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur agreed with Mandhana, saying that the WPL has helped players develop a “winning mindset” and carry momentum from the ODI World Cup success into future competitions.
She added that the goal is not to remain satisfied with just one major win, but to aim for consistent success and continued improvement.
WPL 2026 Begins
The fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League started on January 9, 2026, featuring five teams and top players from India and around the world.