As the Women’s Premier League (WPL) gears up for another season of adrenaline-fueled cricket starting January 9, 2026, discussions about who will lift the trophy and who will dominate the batting charts are reaching a fever pitch. Among the voices shaping early expectations, Aakash Chopra, former Indian opener and well-known cricket analyst, has offered what many fans are calling a bold and thoughtful prediction for what could be one of the most captivating editions of the tournament yet.
Chopra’s forecast isn’t just about raw statistics or trends; it’s rooted in narrative, the story of a team that’s been so close yet heartbreakingly distant, and of players poised to rewrite their own legacies. Reflecting on the Delhi Capitals’ consistent but unlucky past, Chopra said with a sense of justice long overdue, “I think Delhi Capitals should win it this time around.”
That simple line carries the weight of experience. Delhi Capitals have made the final in each of the three seasons so far, only to fall short at the last hurdle. Chopra acknowledges this history, but also the way this team, now under a refreshed leadership and squad balance, might finally break their finals hoodoo.
His prediction speaks to more than just a roster’s strength; it nods to momentum and timing. Delhi have assembled a “very good squad,” he noted, and are stepping into 2026 with a sense of purpose that can’t be ignored. In his view, it’s not just about talent but about destiny aligning for a side that’s grown incrementally stronger with each season.
This isn’t to discount the weight of history or the pedigree of other sides, such as defending champions Mumbai Indians or perennial challengers Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but Chopra believes the narrative arc is pointing a spotlight toward Delhi this year.
At the heart of his prediction lies a recognition that cricket, especially in T20 leagues, is never just about who has the most star names on paper. It’s also about timing, form, momentum, and the unique chemistry of a squad when the lights shine brightest. In 2026, Chopra thinks Delhi has all of those elements aligned.
Just as compelling as the team race is the individual sprint for the Orange Cap, awarded to the season’s highest run-scorer. On this front, Chopra didn’t mince words. While there are several exciting contenders, he identified one player as the front-runner, “I think it could be RCB captain, Smriti Mandhana, to score the most number of runs this WPL season. Smriti Mandhana might be the frontrunner in the race to win the Orange Cap, and she might even win it.”
Mandhana’s credentials need little elaboration. One of the most stylish and destructive batters in the world, she has enjoyed a phenomenal personal calendar recently and carries that confidence into the WPL. Her consistency, scoring range, and ability to accelerate make her a natural favorite in any batting contest.
But Chopra’s view isn’t tunnel visioned. He also pointed to the explosive talent of Shafali Verma, Delhi’s electrifying opener, as another serious threat to Mandhana’s tally. Verma’s strike-rate and unwavering aggression at the top of the order could very well turn heads and flip the Orange Cap race on its head.
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