WPL Heats Up as Playoff Race Tightens
With the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 entering its decisive phase, competition for playoff spots has intensified. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by Smriti Mandhana, have already qualified. Meanwhile, Gujarat Giants, Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians and UP Warriorz remain in the hunt. Gujarat Giants, captained by Ashleigh Gardner, sit fourth on the points table. Consequently, victories in their remaining matches could secure a playoff berth. However, consistency remains key as the season has delivered mixed results for the franchise so far.
Sophie Devine’s Impact for Gujarat Giants
Despite the ups and downs, Sophie Devine has emerged as Gujarat Giants’ standout performer. Playing for the franchise for the first time, the New Zealand all-rounder has delivered match-winning contributions. She has scored 199 runs and taken 11 wickets in six matches. Notably, her brilliant 95 against Delhi Capitals and a calm final over helped Gujarat clinch a four-run win. As a result, Devine currently leads the MVP race and remains central to Gujarat’s playoff ambitions.
‘Move the Boundary Ropes Back,’ says Devine
In an exclusive interaction, Devine shared strong views on the evolution of women’s cricket. She argued that the game has reached a stage where longer boundaries are necessary. According to her, current conditions heavily favour batters, especially in T20 cricket. In the WPL, the maximum boundary length is 60 metres, compared to up to 77 metres in the IPL. Therefore, Devine believes extending boundary ropes and allowing five fielders outside the circle could restore balance. “We can certainly move the boundary ropes back,” she said, adding that alignment with the men’s game is a natural next step.
Growth of Women’s Cricket and Indian Talent
Beyond rule changes, Devine praised the rapid growth of women’s cricket in India. She highlighted the rising quality of domestic players and credited them for elevating the league’s standard. Players like Kashvee Gautam, Kanika Ahuja and Anushka Sharma have impressed her this season. Moreover, Devine said India’s maiden Women’s World Cup triumph in 2025 has boosted confidence and visibility for the sport. Looking ahead, she expressed optimism that women’s cricket will continue to expand, offering greater competition, stronger depth and more global opportunities.
