Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and opted to bowl first against defending champions Mumbai Indians in the opening match of WPL 2026. MI will be without all-rounder Hayley Matthews due to illness. Mandhana cited dew as a factor in her decision, aiming to restrict MI to a modest total. Both captains expressed confidence in their teams' preparations and balance for the season opener at DY Patil Stadium.