Anjum Chopra Says RCB Leads WPL 2026 But Mumbai Indians Not Out of Race
Anjum Chopra praises RCB's winning form but insists the Mumbai Indians and others keep the WPL close.
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 has reached an intense phase, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerging as the most dominant side of the season so far. Led by Smriti Mandhana, RCB have marched into the playoffs on the back of a flawless run, appearing to have cracked the perfect winning formula while other teams struggle to find consistency.
Despite RCB’s “red-hot” form, former India Captain Anjum Chopra believes the title race is far from settled. Chopra said that while RCB look unstoppable at the moment, it would be premature to rule out defending champions Mumbai Indians, a side known for peaking at the right time in major tournaments.
Chopra pointed out that RCB are currently the only team to have found clarity in roles and combinations, which has been reflected in their results. In contrast, several other teams, including Mumbai Indians, have shown flashes of brilliance but have failed to sustain momentum across matches, creating a visible gap on the points table.
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However, Chopra cautioned against reading too much into standings alone. He explained that the competition is actually much closer than it appears, with multiple matches being decided by small margins. According to him, pressure situations, injuries, and form on a given day can quickly alter the balance in a short tournament like the WPL.
The former cricketer also highlighted the impact of the recent international calendar, noting that several players are still riding a “World Cup high”, which has influenced performances across teams. He added that experienced sides like Mumbai Indians possess the depth and match awareness needed to turn things around quickly.
As the playoffs approach, RCB may look like clear favourites, but Chopra believes the knockout stage will test temperament as much as skill. With teams regrouping and recalibrating, the WPL 2026 title race remains open, promising a closely fought finish despite RCB’s commanding league-stage display.
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