For two years, the Mumbai Indians Women have represented the gold standard of WPL roster-building. Depth, balance, leadership, and well-defined roles allowed MI to lift titles in 2023 and 2025, establishing a culture of expectation rather than aspiration.
But ahead of the WPL 2026 Mega Auction, MI face their biggest structural challenge yet. By choosing to retain the maximum five players, the franchise has secured stability but at the cost of flexibility.
The retention list is clear and strong:
- Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain, Indian batter)
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (Overseas all-rounder)
- Hayley Matthews (Overseas all-rounder)
- Amanjot Kaur (Capped Indian all-rounder)
- G Kamalini (Uncapped Indian batter)
This core is enough to win matches. But is it enough to win a tournament again?
That answer depends entirely on MI’s performance in the 2026 auction, where they hold only ₹5.75 crore and no Right-to-Match card. In a talent-rich yet aggressively competitive marketplace, MI have almost zero margin for error.
What Mumbai Chose to Protect
Harmanpreet Kaur: The Anchor of Identity
Harmanpreet’s retention was never a question. Beyond the captaincy, she provides middle-over stability and finishing acceleration. Her strike rate spike (154 in WPL 2025) confirms she now plays the phase-impact role more efficiently than any Indian batter in the league. MI do not just retain a leader they retain the innings architecture around which everyone else can play freely.
Nat Sciver-Brunt: The Most Reliable All-Rounder in the League
No player in WPL influences matches more consistently. Sciver-Brunt delivers runs at elite strike rates while controlling overs 7–16 with ball in hand. Her 523 runs at an average above 65 in WPL 2025 summarize her value: she is production, stability, and tactical insurance rolled into one.
Hayley Matthews: Two Roles, One Player Slot
Matthews’ value lies in dual role efficiency. She opens the batting and fronts MI’s spin bowling strategy. Being able to play 2–3 overs of match-up spin every game without compromising balance is what allowed MI to fit an extra power hitter or bowler into the XI last season. Very few overseas players offer that kind of tactical elasticity.
Amanjot Kaur: The Cost-Efficient Domestic All-Round Link
Amanjot provides what title-winning squads need: domestic production in squeeze overs and batting composure at No. 6 or No. 7. Her match-winning WPL 2025 performances notably a 34(27)* paired with 3/22 were not anomalies; they were signs of evolution. Retaining her at ₹1.0 crore is one of MI’s most efficient decisions.
G Kamalini: The Uncapped Development Investment
This retention meets the mandatory uncapped slot rule, but MI’s choice was also performance-based. Kamalini showed temperament under game pressure, an intangible MI value heavily.
MI have secured the foundations of their dressing room, tactical identity, and match-play structure. But that has come at a visible price.
The biggest tactical downside: They were forced to release Amelia Kerr.
This is the single largest structural gap in MI’s squad.
Kerr provided:
- Wrist-spin control
- Middle-order batting stability
- Matchup flexibility
- The transition overs bridge between Matthews and Sciver-Brunt
There is no direct like-for-like replacement in the open market.
MI must now reconstruct this skill set in pieces, not in one player.
The Other Immediate Weakness: Wicketkeeping
MI’s wicketkeeping last season was statistically one of the lowest-impact positions in the league, with an average of 9.77 and inconsistent strike rotation. In a league where margins are often driven by who controls overs 14–20, this is not a luxury MI can afford to overlook.
A starting, domestic wicketkeeper-batter is non-negotiable.
With ₹5.75 crore and no RTM, MI must approach the auction in three layers:
1. Replace Amelia Kerr’s Overs and Role Value: Budget Allocation: ₹1.8 – ₹2.5 crore
MI must prioritize a spin-bowling overseas all-rounder, but avoid bidding wars for superstars like Deepti Sharma (who will draw ₹3.5 crore+ offers easily).
They should target:
- Overseas wrist-spinners who can bat at No. 6–8
- Or Indian left-arm orthodox bowlers with control and matchup edge
The goal is overs, not celebrity.
2. Secure a Domestic Starting Wicketkeeper: Budget Allocation: ₹1.0 – ₹1.5 crore
MI cannot afford another low-output season behind the stumps. This player must:
- Rotate strike confidently
- Survive high-pressure phases
- Be a top-7 batter, not a tail booster
This is where MI must be aggressive and early in bidding.
3. Rebuild Depth in Indian Spin and Pace Units: Budget Allocation: ₹1.5 – ₹2.0 crore for 6–8 players
MI must shop in the ₹20–60 lakh domestic tier, prioritizing:
- 1–2 young fast bowlers
- 2–3 spinning options with matchup versatility
- Developmental talent for the medium-long term
This is about volume and rotational flexibility across the league.
The Strategic Risk
MI’s strength is also their vulnerability: Strength Risk
Top order and middle core produce high run volume Over-reliance on 4–5 players Overseas all-rounders offer stability Little room to rotate overseas roles. Squad identity is clear But squad depth is thin
If Sciver-Brunt, Matthews, or Harmanpreet lose form or miss matches, MI do not currently have the like-for-like bench cover that Delhi and RCB have prepared for. This makes auction execution more important than retention execution.
Mumbai Indians Women enter WPL 2026 as champions and system-setters but not as favorites.
They are still one of the best teams in the league. But this season will not be about dominance; it will be about control, maintenance, and survival under constraint.
If they solve:
- The Kerr replacement
- The wicketkeeping gap
- And depth rotation
They remain a title contender. If they miscalculate, even slightly, they may finally meet the one opponent they have avoided for two years:
