Delhi Capitals eye their maiden TATA WPL title having been the most consistent team in the league’s history, qualifying for the final in all four seasons, while Smriti Mandhana’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru look to get their hands on the trophy for the second time. Mithali Raj, Katey Martin and Saba Karim looked ahead to the summit clash.
Mithali Raj shared her thoughts on the Delhi Capitals potentially using their off-spin twins against Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Smriti Mandhana:
“Delhi Capitals have two off-spinners in their ranks, Sneh Rana and Minnu Mani. They might use one in the powerplay just to see if Smriti Mandhana falls to that plan. But before that, Chinelle Henry is there. And Marizanne Kapp is someone that Smriti Mandhana has spoken very highly about. That one bowler is someone she finds challenging and difficult to score runs against. So, how she handles Marizanne Kapp in the first couple of overs will be key, because the spinners, of course, will come a little later, unless Delhi Capitals straight up use an off-spinner in the second over.”
On Jemimah Rodrigues' improved form through the TATA WPL 2026:
“In the last couple of innings, we’ve seen that Jemimah is now trying to play more cricketing shots. She doesn’t really start off with the sweep or the scoop shots that she got out to during the group stage. I think the little alteration she’s made to her game has really paid dividends. Their entire batting unit is now trying to change how they approach their innings, trying to play more cricketing shots through the line, whether it’s Shafali or Lizelle Lee. Jemimah Rodrigues, too, is using her feet a lot more, trying to reach out to the pitch of the ball, which shows the intent to stay at the crease and score runs.”
Katey Martin elaborated on Lauren Bell's match-up against the dangerous opening pair of the Delhi Capitals:
“I think the Delhi openers will go after Lauren Bell. She has been very consistent; it’s really the bounce she’s been able to generate, along with the swing, that makes her such a challenge for batters. We saw on the wicket in the game Delhi Capitals played against Gujarat Giants that there is a bit in it with the new ball. So expect her to get that opportunity. I think hers is such an incredible story, to remodel your entire bowling action, take time away from the game, and have the bravery to do that. Now, we’re starting to see the success and confidence. I’m really looking forward to seeing her produce some magic out in the middle.”
Saba Karim hoped that the in-form Delhi Capitals would finally get their hands on the TATA WPL trophy:
“Hopefully, it happens for Delhi this time around. This is the fourth season of the TATA WPL, and the Delhi Capitals have been the most consistent team. Finals have been the one big hurdle they’ve yet to cross, that perhaps be down to nerves, preparation, or execution on the day. But this is a golden opportunity. They’re playing under a new captain, the atmosphere in the team is very good, and I thought Delhi would be the first team to qualify, even though they had to take a different route this year. The way they performed in the eliminator, I feel they have all the bases covered. On paper, Delhi Capitals looks like a stronger team than Royal Challengers Bengaluru. They have a lot of options. Anything could happen in the final; both teams are very strong. Let’s see who wins the battle between the two best friends.”
