MI vs RCB, WPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru opt to bowl first against Mumbai Indians, know Playing XI

MI vs RCB, WPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the toss and elected to bowl first against Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 opener at the DY Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 9.

What did the captains say after the toss?

RCB captain Smriti Mandhana, after winning the toss, said:

"We’re going to bowl first. 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. It’s been amazing. The girls have gelled really well. It’s a young group, the overseas players have settled in nicely, and it’s been a fun environment. Everyone’s worked extremely hard, and we’re really excited to get started. We’re going in with six Indian players. Our four overseas players are Grace Harris, Nadine de Klerk, Lauren Bell, and Linsey Smith."

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Meanwhile, MI skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, after losing the toss, said:

"We were also looking to bowl first, considering the dew later on. But it’s the first game of the season, so we’ll see how things go. It’s been really good. We’ve been practicing for the last 10 days, and everyone looks in good touch. We’ve got a well-balanced side, pretty similar to what we’ve had over the last three seasons, so we’re confident heading into the game."

Mumbai Indians Women (Playing XI):

Nat Sciver-Brunt, G Kamalini(w), Amelia Kerr, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Amanjot Kaur, Nicola Carey, Poonam Khemnar, Shabnim Ismail, Sanskriti Gupta, Sajeevan Sajana, Saika Ishaque

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women (Playing XI):

Smriti Mandhana(c), Grace Harris, Dayalan Hemalatha, Richa Ghosh(w), Radha Yadav, Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Prema Rawat, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell

MI vs RCB Head to Head

RCB and MI have locked horns with each other seven times in WPL so far. While Mumbai have won four games, Bengaluru have emerged victorious in three matches. RCB have won 15 whereas MI have come out victorious on 19 occasion.