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Aakash Chopra's WPL 2026 Predictions: DC to Win Title, Mandhana for Orange Cap

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has predicted that the Delhi Capitals will finally clinch the Women's Premier League title in 2026 after three runner-up finishes. He also identified Smriti Mandhana as the frontrunner for the Orange Cap, with DC's Shafali Verma as another strong contender. Chopra forecasted a potential third consecutive Player of the Tournament award for Deepti Sharma and named Sree Charani as his pick for Emerging Player. For the tournament opener between MI and RCB, he gave a slight edge to the Mumbai Indians.

Key Points: Chopra Predicts WPL 2026 Winner, Top Run-Scorer & Awards

  • DC tipped as 2026 WPL champions
  • Mandhana favored for Orange Cap
  • Deepti Sharma for Player of Tournament hat-trick
  • Sree Charani for Emerging Player
2 min read

WPL 2026: DC will win title, Mandhana might win Orange Cap, says Chopra

Aakash Chopra tips Delhi Capitals to win WPL 2026, Smriti Mandhana for Orange Cap, and forecasts awards for Deepti Sharma & Sree Charani.

"I think Delhi Capitals will win, this time around. - Aakash Chopra"

New Delhi, Dec 31

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has tipped Delhi Capitals to clinch the 2026 Women's Premier League and suggested Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Smriti Mandhana could emerge as the tournament's leading run‑scorer.

DC are three-time runners-up in the WPL and are eyeing to break their title jinx under new skipper Jemimah Rodrigues. "I think Delhi Capitals will win, this time around. They have put together a very good squad and they have reached the finals all three times. Let them win it once," said Chopra on JioStar.

He also felt that apart from Smriti, her opening partner Shafali Verma could be an orange cap contender. "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. Alongside her, I feel, Shafali Verma, who will open for the Delhi Capitals, could be a strong contender as well."

Chopra further felt both Deepti Sharma and Sree Charani can bag big awards in WPL 2026. "I think Deepti Sharma can register a hat-trick of winning the Player of the Tournament award. The form she is in currently, she has been unstoppable and I also think that since she has started doing well in the WPL, there has been a significant improvement in her overall game.

"So, this could be her season again. I think Shree Charani might win the Emerging Player of the Season award. She had a fantastic World Cup and I feel she will be the tournament's best spinner."

Chopra signed off by saying who could win the MI-RCB opening game at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 9. "I will go with Mumbai Indians for this clash. Obviously, very little to choose between the two sides, but Mumbai."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Chopra sir's predictions are always interesting. But picking MI over RCB in the opener? As a Bengaluru fan, I have to disagree! Our women's team looks very strong this year. Let's go, RCB!
S
Sarah B
Great to see the focus on emerging players like Shree Charani. The WPL is doing wonders for discovering new talent. The future of women's cricket in India is so bright!
A
Aman W
Respectfully, I think these predictions are a bit too obvious. Everyone knows DC is strong and Mandhana is a top batter. Would love to hear a bold, outside prediction for a change!
D
Divya L
Deepti Sharma for a hat-trick of Player of the Tournament awards? That would be legendary! She's the backbone of any team she plays for. All the best to all the women! đŸ‡®đŸ‡³
M
Michael C
As a neutral fan, the WPL is some of the most exciting cricket to watch. The quality keeps improving every year. Can't wait for the season to start!

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