The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is kicking off on Friday, January 9, in Navi Mumbai, with the defending champions, Mumbai Indians Women, going head-to-head against Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women in the opening match. Over the years, the WPL has become an incredible platform for young and emerging cricketers to shine and showcase their skills on a grand stage. With international stars sharing the locker room, uncapped Indian players often find themselves in a unique position to learn, grow, and leave a lasting impression. As the new season approaches, we taking a closer look at three uncapped batters who are set to steal the spotlight this year. Niki Prasad At just 20 years old, Niki Prasad is one of the most exciting batters to watch as we head into WPL 2026. Playing for Delhi Capitals, she had three innings last season, scoring 78 runs a modest tally that doesn’t quite capture her true potential. She gained recognition after leading India to the Under-19 World Cup title in 2024-25, proving her leadership skills. Having the chance to play alongside seasoned internationals like Jemimah Rodrigues, Laura Wolvaardt, and Marizanne Kapp will be a huge boost for her growth. With newfound confidence and exposure, Prasad is eager to seize her opportunities this season. Also Read | 123 runs in List A game! Shreyas Iyer's best friend bags unwanted record in VHT 2025-26 Deeya Yadav Deeya Yadav, the youngest player in the WPL, has already created quite a buzz. Selected by Delhi Capitals Women, this hard-hitting top-order batter from Haryana is known for her aggressive style, often drawing comparisons to Shafali Verma. Deeya had a stellar domestic T20 season in 2025-26, racking up 298 runs in just eight innings, boasting an impressive average of 59.50 and a strike rate of 128. Her fearless stroke play makes her a threat against both pace and spin, and if given consistent chances, she could be a game-changer. The WPL provides her with the perfect stage to learn from experienced players and elevate her domestic success to the next level. Simran Shaikh Simran Shaikh is definitely a player to watch in the upcoming season of the premier T20 tournament. She was with the UP Warriorz Women in 2023 but was let go before the next season due to not making a significant impact. After going unsold last season, Simran put in a lot of effort at the domestic level and really shone while playing for Mumbai’s Under-19 women’s team. So far, she has racked up 83 runs in 12 innings across her time with two WPL franchises. Now back with the UP Warriorz this season, Simran is ready to make a strong comeback and show everyone what she’s capable of on the big stage.