Former Indian cricketer and now prominent commentator Aakash Chopra has set the stage for future Women's Premier League (WPL) discussions with a bold and early prediction. He has named his top three contenders for the prestigious Orange Cap in the 2026 edition of the tournament, sparking excitement among cricket fans.
Chopra's Top Picks for the Batting Honour
In a detailed analysis shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra looked beyond the immediate season to forecast the leading run-scorers for WPL 2026. He emphasized that while current stars are dominant, the future belongs to a mix of established icons and emerging powerhouses.
Chopra's first and most confident prediction is for Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Smriti Mandhana. He believes that the stylish left-hander, who led her team to victory in WPL 2024, is primed to claim the Orange Cap in two years' time. "Smriti Mandhana will be the Orange Cap winner in 2026," Chopra stated unequivocally.
The Young Challengers in the Mix
Beyond Mandhana, Chopra identified two other formidable batters who could challenge for the top spot. He named Shafali Verma, the explosive opener for Delhi Capitals, as his second contender. Verma's aggressive style at the top of the order makes her a perpetual threat to bowling attacks.
For his third pick, Chopra turned to the UP Warriorz camp, selecting their young wicketkeeper-batter, Richa Ghosh. He highlighted her finishing prowess and ability to score quickly under pressure as key attributes that could see her ascend to the top of the run-scoring charts by the 2026 season.
Analysis Behind the Predictions
Aakash Chopra's predictions are not made in a vacuum. He provided reasoning rooted in current form, trajectory, and role within the team. For Smriti Mandhana, her leadership role and consistent improvement as a T20 batter make her a focal point of the RCB innings.
Regarding Shafali Verma, her natural power-hitting and the responsibility of providing flying starts for a strong Delhi Capitals side position her perfectly for high run aggregates. Richa Ghosh's selection is based on her evolution as a finisher; a role that, when mastered, can yield high-impact scores and a healthy season total.
Chopra explicitly ruled out current mega-stars like Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry from his 2026 shortlist, suggesting the landscape will shift towards the next generation of Indian talent. This focus on domestic players adds an intriguing layer to his forecast.
The Context of the WPL's Growth
This prediction comes at a time when the Women's Premier League is rapidly growing in stature and popularity. The league has successfully showcased world-class talent and created new heroes for Indian cricket fans. Speculation about future performances, especially from a respected analyst like Chopra, fuels engagement and debate long before a ball is bowled.
The Orange Cap, awarded to the player who scores the most runs in a single WPL season, has become a symbol of batting excellence in the tournament. Previous winners have included stars like Meg Lanning, whose achievements have set a high benchmark for the players named by Chopra.
As the WPL continues to evolve, the performances of Mandhana, Verma, and Ghosh will be closely watched. Aakash Chopra has now added an extra layer of expectation for the 2026 season, setting a narrative that will unfold over the coming years. Whether his bold prediction comes true remains to be seen, but it has certainly ignited the imagination of the cricketing community.
