The Women's Premier League (WPL) is kicking off its third season on Friday, February 14, with the opening match featuring the reigning champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, taking on Gujarat Giants at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. RCB's women's team broke their trophy drought last season by beating Delhi Capitals in an exciting final, and now, under the leadership of Smriti Mandhana, they’re aiming for back-to-back titles.

Before the season starts, Smriti Mandhana shared that RCB's huge fanbase really motivates the team to give their all every day. However, she also acknowledged the added pressure that comes with it.

"We try not to get too caught up in what's happening around us. It's crucial for us to focus on playing good cricket as a team. We're building a culture where we stick together, especially since RCB's fanbase tends to be more vocal with both praise and criticism compared to other teams," Smriti mentioned during a chat with Hindustan Times at the official captain's meet on Thursday.

"Who wouldn’t want to hear RCB chants wherever they go? That’s definitely a huge plus," she added.

This season of the WPL will take place in four locations: Vadodara, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Mumbai. The Eliminator and final matches are set for March 13 and 15, respectively, at the Brabourne Stadium. Baroda will host six matches before the action moves to Bengaluru, where RCB will have their first home game against the Mumbai Indians (MI), the champions of the inaugural WPL, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on February 21.

'Sophie Devine is a huge loss'

In January 2025, Sophie Devine, the ODI captain of New Zealand, shared that she’s taking a break for her mental health. This means she won’t be playing for RCB this season. Sophie has been a crucial player in the first two seasons, and Smriti quickly noted that her absence will be felt.

RCB's title defense is facing challenges with multiple injuries. Left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux is already sidelined, and Kate Cross has opted out for injury rehab. Ellyse Perry recently picked up a hip injury during the Ashes but has arrived in India. Additionally, spinners Asha Sobhana and Shreyanka Patil are recovering from injuries and haven’t played internationally since October 2024.

"We’ve had a few injuries since the auction. Most of our last playing XI is unavailable due to injuries. Sophie Devine is one of the top all-rounders globally. She’s been performing for the last decade, and while we’ll miss her, mental health comes first. We totally respect that. As for the other injuries, we’ve talked about it. It’s definitely tough," Smriti said in response to a question from Hindustan Times.

On another note, the third WPL edition will see Lucknow debut as a venue this season, with UP Warriorz hosting three matches at their home ground starting March 3.

The Mumbai Indians will finish the league stage with consecutive home games against Gujarat Giants and RCB on March 10 and 11.

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