GJ-W vs BLR-W WPL 2026 Preview: Pitch Report, Weather, Probable XI, Fantasy Tips & Captain Picks

The Women’s Premier League 2026 (WPL 2026) continues with a high-voltage clash as Gujarat Giants Women (GJ-W) take on the in-form Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (BLR-W) at the Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara.

RCB Women are currently unstoppable, riding on a sensational five-match winning streak, while Gujarat Giants are struggling for consistency. With star all-rounders, match-winning batters, and a spin-friendly surface on offer, this match is set to be a fantasy cricket blockbuster.

🏏 Match Details – GJ-W vs BLR-W

• Match: Gujarat Giants Women vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Women
• Tournament: Women’s Premier League 2026
• Venue: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara
• Date: 19 January 2026
• Time: 7:30 PM IST

🌦 Weather Report – Vadodara

• Temperature: 20°C – 22°C
• Rain Chance: 0% (clear skies)
• Humidity: Moderate, increasing later
• Dew Factor: Likely in second innings

👉 Fantasy Insight: Dew could make chasing easier, so players batting second may get an advantage.

🏟 Pitch Report – Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara

Kotambi Stadium offers a balanced pitch, but recent matches show a slight edge for spinners.

• Average 1st Innings Score: 147
• Competitive Total: 160+
• Spinner Wickets: 33
• Pacer Wickets: 29

Pitch Behavior

• New ball may grip early
• Spinners effective in middle overs
• Batting becomes easier later due to dew

👉 Fantasy Tip: Pick at least 2 quality spinners and focus on all-rounders.

📊 Team Form Guide

• Gujarat Giants (GJ-W): ❌❌✅✅❌
• RCB Women (BLR-W): ✅✅✅✅✅

RCB enter this match with confidence, momentum, and balance, while Gujarat need a strong collective performance at home.

🧢 Probable Playing XI

Gujarat Giants Women

Beth Mooney (wk), Sophie Devine, Kanika Ahuja, Ashleigh Gardner, Anushka Sharma, Bharti Fulmali, Georgia Wareham, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh

RCB Women

Smriti Mandhana (c), Grace Harris, Georgia Voll, Dayalan Hemalatha, Richa Ghosh (wk), Nadine de Klerk, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Lauren Bell, Prema Rawat, Sayali Satghare

⭐ Key Players to Watch (Fantasy Must-Picks)

🔥 Sophie Devine (GJ-W)

• Runs: 149
• Wickets: 8
• Fantasy Avg: 150+ points
• A complete all-rounder and top captaincy choice

⭐ Nadine de Klerk (BLR-W)

• Runs: 89
• Wickets: 8
• Dream Team Appearance: 100%
• One of the most reliable fantasy players this season

👑 Smriti Mandhana (BLR-W)

• Scored 96 runs in last match
• Total 166 runs in the series
• Excellent pick on batting-friendly nights

💪 Ashleigh Gardner (GJ-W)

• 137 runs in the series
• Safe all-round pick even when bowling impact is low

🎯 Lauren Bell (BLR-W)

• 8 wickets in the series
• Strikes in powerplay and death overs

🧠 Captain & Vice-Captain Picks

✅ Safe Choices

• Sophie Devine
• Nadine de Klerk

🎯 Differential Picks

• Smriti Mandhana
• Ashleigh Gardner

⚠️ High-Risk Punt

• Grace Harris (can change the game quickly)

🏆 Fantasy Strategy for GJ-W vs BLR-W

• Spin Matters: Kotambi favors spinners slightly
• All-Rounders First: Highest fantasy returns this season
• Watch the Toss: Chasing side may benefit due to dew
• Avoid Overloading Pacers: Use only wicket-taking quicks

🔮 Match Prediction

RCB Women start as clear favorites due to their form and depth, but Gujarat Giants have enough firepower to cause an upset at home if their all-rounders step up.

📌 Final Note

This preview is based on current form, pitch trends, and recent performances. Always check final playing XIs after the toss before locking your fantasy team.

👉 Stay tuned for live toss updates, final teams, and last-minute fantasy tips.