Fans were abuzz on Friday as the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 kicked off. The opening ceremony at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai attracted significant attention. Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu started the festivities, followed by a lively performance from Jacqueline Fernandez.
Honey Singh’s Surprise Entrance Captivates Attention
The most unexpected highlight came from the arrival of popular rapper Honey Singh. His entrance quickly overshadowed the proceedings, especially as team captains Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur were seated nearby. Their reactions to his surprise presence went viral on social media.
Upon Honey Singh’s appearance, both Mandhana and Harmanpreet stood up. However, they seemed uncertain about how to respond. While Harmanpreet began clapping, Mandhana initially remained still before joining in, leading to a comical yet memorable moment.
Toss Outcomes and Team Line-ups
In a strategic play, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the toss and opted to bowl first against the defending champions, Mumbai Indians. This season’s WPL marks a shift as it is being held in January-February.
Following the toss, Smriti Mandhana addressed the decision. She emphasized the impact of dew on gameplay at this venue, especially during the second half, and highlighted the team’s preparation.
Player Insights from RCB Captain Smriti Mandhana
Mandhana noted, “Dew plays a huge role at this venue, especially in the second half, and it’s a ground where conditions can change quickly. We want to bowl tight lines early and restrict the opposition.” She expressed confidence in her team, describing it as a cohesive young group that has worked hard to create a positive environment.
Injury Updates
Mumbai Indians, who have claimed the WPL title twice, will be without their all-rounder Hayley Matthews due to illness.
Playing XIs for the Match
| Mumbai Indians | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
|---|---|
| Nat Sciver-Brunt | Smriti Mandhana (c) |
| G Kamalini (wk) | Grace Harris |
| Amelia Kerr | Dayalan Hemalatha |
| Harmanpreet Kaur (c) | Richa Ghosh (wk) |
| Amanjot Kaur | Radha Yadav |
| Nicola Carey | Nadine de Klerk |
| Poonam Khemnar | Arundhati Reddy |
| Shabnim Ismail | Shreyanka Patil |
| Sanskriti Gupta | Prema Rawat |
| Sajeevan Sajana | Linsey Smith |
| Saika Ishaque | Lauren Bell |
The excitement surrounding the WPL continues to grow as the tournament progresses, especially with standout moments like Honey Singh’s entrance. Fans eagerly await the unfolding of upcoming matches.
