WPL 2026: Anushka Sharma Returns as Happy Kumari Makes Debut for Gujarat Giants Against Table-Toppers RCB

The Women's Premier League 2026 witnessed an intriguing contest as Gujarat Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner won the toss and elected to bowl against the formidable Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.

Team News: Giants Welcome Back Anushka Sharma

In a significant boost for Gujarat Giants, allrounder Anushka Sharma returned to the playing XI after missing the last two matches due to injury. Her comeback adds crucial depth to the Giants' batting lineup and provides Gardner with an additional bowling option.

The match also marked a special occasion for 18-year-old medium pacer Happy Kumari, who was handed her WPL debut. The young fast bowler's inclusion signals Gujarat's intent to invest in fresh talent for the tournament's second leg.

To accommodate these changes, Giants left out Shivani Singh, who had made her debut in their previous fixture, along with experienced left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad.

RCB Remain Unchanged After Dominant Navi Mumbai Leg

Table-toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by the ever-reliable Smriti Mandhana, opted to field an unchanged XI. RCB enter this fixture riding a wave of momentum with four consecutive victories in the Navi Mumbai leg of the tournament.

The Bengaluru outfit had made three changes in their previous encounter against Delhi Capitals, bringing in Sayali Satghare, Georgia Voll, and Prema Rawat. That winning combination has been retained for this crucial clash.

Pitch Report and Conditions

Former India captain Mithali Raj provided valuable insights at the pitch report, describing the surface as a "hard wicket" that favors batters. She anticipated "good bounce" for the pacers while suggesting the conditions may not be conducive for spinners. The possibility of dew later in the evening could also influence the contest.

Tournament Context and Head-to-Head

The stakes are high for both teams heading into this encounter. Gujarat Giants currently occupy third position on the points table with two wins from four matches, while RCB lead the standings with an impressive net run rate of 1.600.

In the reverse fixture earlier in the tournament, RCB dominated the Giants, securing a comprehensive 32-run victory after bowling them out for 150. Gardner's side will be eager to avenge that defeat and close the gap at the top of the table.

Playing XIs

Gujarat Giants:

• Beth Mooney (wk)
• Sophie Devine
• Anushka Sharma
• Ashleigh Gardner (c)
• Georgia Wareham
• Kanika Ahuja
• Bharti Fulmali
• Kashvee Gautam
• Tanuja Kanwar
• Happy Kumari
• Renuka Singh

Royal Challengers Bengaluru:

• Grace Harris
• Smriti Mandhana (c)
• Georgia Voll
• Gautami Naik
• Richa Ghosh (wk)
• Radha Yadav
• Nadine de Klerk
• Sayali Satghare
• Shreyanka Patil
• Prema Rawat
• Lauren Bell

Looking Ahead

With the tournament reaching its business end, every match carries significant weight. Gujarat Giants' decision to bowl first, coupled with the return of Anushka Sharma and the exciting debut of Happy Kumari, sets the stage for an enthralling contest. RCB, however, will look to maintain their dominant run and consolidate their position at the summit of the WPL 2026 standings.