The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women and Delhi Capitals Women witnessed notable absentees, with injuries and strategic decisions playing a key role in shaping the playing XIs. As RCB won the toss and opted to bowl first, both captains — Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues — shed light on why players like Chinelle Henry and Arundhati Reddy were unavailable for the contest.

Smriti Mandhana reveals why Arundhati Reddy is not playing today’s game

Speaking at the toss, Mandhana highlighted the excitement around the match, crediting the strong crowd presence for the positive energy around the ground. With RCB choosing to field first, Mandhana confirmed three changes to the lineup, one of which was a forced alteration.

Reddy, a regular part of RCB’s bowling unit, was ruled out after falling unwell, prompting the inclusion of Sayali Satghare. Mandhana clarified that the team had little choice in the matter, stressing that player health remained the priority. Alongside that change, Georgia Voll was brought in for Linsey Smith, while Prema Rawat replaced Dayalan Hemalatha, decisions that were more tactical in nature as RCB looked to maintain balance while bowling first.

Mandhana expressed satisfaction with how the squad has adapted so far, noting that the team environment and momentum have helped them make seamless transitions despite personnel changes.

“We’d like to field first today. We have three changes today. [Georgia] Voll comes in for Linsey [Smith], Prema [Rawat] comes in for [Dayalan] Hemalatha, while Arundhati [Reddy] is unwell, so Sayali [Satghare] comes in,” said Mandhana at the toss.

Chinelle Henry sidelined as DC hand debut to Lucy Hamilton

On the other side, Delhi Capitals captain Rodrigues confirmed that Henry missed out due to an injury sustained in the previous game. Unlike RCB’s illness-related change, Henry’s absence was precautionary, with the team management opting not to risk aggravating the injury midway through the tournament.

Rodrigues revealed that Lucy Hamilton was drafted into the XI as a like-for-like replacement, marking her debut in the WPL. The DC skipper spoke highly of Hamilton, describing her as a composed youngster with leadership experience, having captained Australia at the Under-19 level. Rodrigues’ familiarity with Hamilton from their time together at Brisbane Heat also added to her confidence in the debutant’s readiness for the big stage.

“We have one change. Henry is out due to an injury from the last game, and we have Lucy Hamilton coming in her place and debuting tonight. We played together for the Brisbane Heat. She’s a youngster. She’s also led the Australia Under-19 team,” said Rodrigues.

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Contrasting fortunes on the points table

The changes come at a crucial juncture for both teams. RCB enter the match unbeaten, having won all three of their matches so far and sitting comfortably at the top of the points table. Their consistent performances have allowed them to rotate players without disrupting rhythm.

In contrast, Delhi Capitals find themselves at the bottom, with just one win from three games. Injuries like Henry’s have compounded their struggles, forcing them to test bench strength and blood new faces as they search for momentum in the tournament.

Playing XI of both sides

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Grace Harris, Smriti Mandhana(c), Georgia Voll, Richa Ghosh(w), Gautami Naik, Nadine de Klerk, Radha Yadav, Prema Rawat, Shreyanka Patil, Sayali Satghare, Lauren Bell

Delhi Capitals (Playing XI): Shafali Verma, Lizelle Lee(w), Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues(c), Marizanne Kapp, Lucy Hamilton, Sneh Rana, Niki Prasad, Minnu Mani, Nandni Sharma, Shree Charani

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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