Analysing the MI squad for WPL 2026 as they recaptured their all-rounder trio for the upcoming edition of the Women’s Premier League.
Mumbai Indians enter the 2026 Women’s Premier League as defending champions and, on paper, the most settled side in the competition. Having lifted their second WPL title in three seasons, MI head into the new campaign with their core intact, minimal churn at the auction, and a squad packed with proven match-winners.
This MI squad for WPL 2026 is built around continuity, all-round depth, and a heavy reliance on elite overseas players. The question is not whether Mumbai Indians are strong, it is whether they have enough quality beneath their stars to handle disruption.
Where Mumbai Indians Finished Last Season
Mumbai Indians won the WPL 2025 title, defeating Delhi Capitals in the final after defending a modest total of 149. They finished second in the league stage behind DC, thrashed Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator, and once again proved they are the most efficient knockout team in the tournament.
It was MI’s second title in three editions, reinforcing their reputation as the most consistently successful franchise in the league.
What’s New for MI in WPL 2026
Mumbai Indians changed the least among all five teams at the auction.
They retained their core group and spent heavily to buy back Amelia Kerr, using more than half their purse at the WPL 2026 auction. Shabnim Ismail, Saika Ishaque, S Sajana and Sanskriti Gupta were also brought back, ensuring continuity across departments.
The new additions include Australian quicks Nicola Carey and Milly Illingworth, domestic allrounders Triveni Vasistha, Kranthi Reddy and Poonam Khemnar, and batter Rahila Firdous. One notable exit was Nadine de Klerk, who played a key role in South Africa’s World Cup campaign and was later picked up by RCB.
Off the field, the biggest change is at the top. Lisa Keightley takes over as head coach from Charlotte Edwards, who has moved on to coach England Women. Keightley brings extensive franchise and international experience, having previously coached England Women, Sydney Thunder in the WBBL, and Northern Superchargers in the Hundred. Former Australia legspinner Kristen Beams has also joined MI’s coaching staff.
Mumbai Indians Playing XI for WPL 2026 (Likely)
- G Kamalini (wk)
- Hayley Matthews
- Nat Sciver-Brunt
- Harmanpreet Kaur (capt)
- Amelia Kerr
- Amanjot Kaur
- Poonam Khemnar
- S Sajana
- Sanskriti Gupta
- Shabnim Ismail
- Saika Ishaque
MI Overseas players WPL 2026: Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, Shabnim Ismail
Strengths of the MI Squad for WPL 2026
Mumbai Indians’ biggest advantage is the presence of three elite overseas allrounders. Are Mumbai Indians over-dependent on their overseas trio in WPL 2026?
Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews and Amelia Kerr form the backbone of both batting and bowling. Between them, they occupy three of the top five batting slots and are expected to deliver close to 12 overs every game. Few teams in the WPL can match that level of dual impact.
The top six is stacked with power and flexibility. Matthews sets the tone at the top, Sciver-Brunt provides control and acceleration, Harmanpreet anchors the middle, and Kerr adds both stability and late-innings firepower. Amanjot Kaur and Poonam Khemnar give depth and finishing options.
MI also remain strong tactically. Their ability to adapt to conditions in both Mumbai and Vadodara, rotate bowlers intelligently, and absorb pressure has consistently separated them from the rest.
Weaknesses MI Must Address
For all their strengths, this MI squad for WPL 2026 carries clear risks.
The most obvious is the lack of high-quality Indian bowlers. Outside of Saika Ishaque, Mumbai Indians rely heavily on overseas players and allrounders to cover bowling duties. There are only three specialist bowlers in the squad outside the allrounders, which leaves little margin if one of the overseas stars is unavailable or out of form.
This creates overdependence. If Sciver-Brunt, Matthews or Kerr are unavailable or have an off game, MI’s balance could be exposed quickly. The domestic options are largely untested at this level, and squad depth is more theoretical than proven.
Players to Watch for MI in WPL 2026
G Kamalini will attract attention for obvious reasons. Her promotion to opener is one of the boldest moves of the season, and success or failure could define MI’s campaign.
Milly Illingworth is another name to track. The 20-year-old Australian quick has drawn comparisons to Jeff Thomson for her raw pace and action. With 18 WBBL wickets across three seasons, she now gets the opportunity to work closely with Shabnim Ismail and develop into a long-term asset.
MI Fixtures for WPL 2026
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Jan 9 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Jan 10 | Delhi Capitals |
| Jan 13 | Gujarat Giants |
| Jan 15 | UP Warriorz |
| Jan 17 | UP Warriorz |
| Jan 20 | Delhi Capitals |
| Jan 26 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Jan 30 | Gujarat Giants |
The opening match against RCB and the two fixtures against Delhi Capitals will be early indicators of whether MI can maintain their dominance.
Final Verdict: Can Mumbai Indians Win a Third WPL Title?
On balance, this MI squad for WPL 2026 remains the most complete in the tournament. Experience, clarity of roles, and elite allrounders give them a higher floor than any other team.
However, their ceiling depends on health and availability. The lack of Indian bowling depth and the reliance on three overseas stars mean there is little room for error. If their core stays fit, Mumbai Indians should once again be contenders for the title. If not, the gap between them and the chasing pack could narrow quickly.
