Why is Prema Rawat Not Playing Today Match UPW vs RCB WPL 2026?

The 5th match of the ongoing Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 is between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and UP Warriorz at the DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. The tournament has started on a great note, and the fans would expect the same intensity to continue throughout.

When asked about the team changes during the toss, Warriorz skipper Meg Lanning mentioned that they are playing with the same side, but RCB had one change that Prema Rawat had to miss out.

Why is Prema Rawat Not Playing Today match in UPW vs RCB WPL 2026?

The ongoing clash between RCB and UP Warriorz in Navi Mumbai is expected to be a thrilling contest. In the match, Prema Rawat is not playing today, as informed by skipper Smriti Mandhana. She didn't mention any reason behind her omission from the game. Meanwhile, Prema Rawat replacement, Gautami Naik, is an outstanding player and will play in the UPW vs RCB WPL 2026 match. Rawat has played in just four matches and scored eight runs and taken one wicket. She hasn't had much exposure in the league and that's why her performance is not that great.

The team combinations might be one of the reasons behind her exclusion from the playing XI. RCB are looking quite serious this time in terms of their playing XI and team combinations. They are in a serious mindset to win the matches, and we saw that in the first game against one of the richest WPL teams, Mumbai Indians Women.

RCB chased down 18 runs in the last over, making it an unforgettable game for the cricket fans. So far, both teams have played just one game each, where RCB have won while UP Warriorz have lost. They might look for a different result in the upcoming game.

Who is Gautami Naik RCB's New Joinee?

Playing in the Women's Premier League is a dream of many Indian cricketers, but the 27-year-old Gautami Naik is going to fulfil her dream. After being a consistent run-scorer in the domestic games, Gautami Naik is all set to make her debut in the WPL and for RCB. Why is the occasion extra special? Well, Gautami was once one of the best women cricketers in the world, Smriti Mandhana's opening partner in the Women's Maharashtra Premier League and now, will share the dressing room with her once again.

Despite being inexperienced, RCB bought her for INR 10 lakhs in the mega auction. She was the third-highest run scorer of the tournament in the WMPL with 173 runs in six innings. She was also a part of the Maharashtra senior team. Considering her cricket performance in both domestic and fantasy tournaments, RCB decided to invest in her.