WPL 2026: 5 players Mumbai Indians (MI) can retain ahead of Women’s Premier League mega auction

The anticipation for the mega auction has skyrocketed following India’s historic ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 victory under captain Harmanpreet Kaur. The triumph, sealed on November 2nd, has shone an unprecedented spotlight on the domestic pool, validating the WPL’s impact.

Franchises are now keenly aware of the winning mentality and pressure absorption demonstrated by the Indian players, driving up their value. International stars who played vital roles in the World Cup will also be heavily contested. With the retention deadline of November 5th, this auction is now seen as the immediate financial and competitive extension of the World Cup success. The focus is no longer just on talent but on proven temperament in title-winning moments.

Mumbai Indians WPL journey under Harmanpreet Kaur (2023–2025)

The Mumbai Indians (MI) have established themselves as the most successful franchise in the Women’s Premier League’s short history, creating an immediate dynasty. In the inaugural 2023 season, MI showcased their dominance by going on an unbeaten five-match winning streak to start the tournament. Led by Harmanpreet, they reached the final and secured the first-ever WPL title by defeating the Delhi Capitals. Their key overseas all-rounder, Hayley Matthews, was the standout, winning both the Purple Cap and the inaugural Most Valuable Player award.

The 2024 season saw MI face greater competition but still maintain a strong position, ultimately reaching the Eliminator round. However, their title defence was halted in a close contest by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who went on to win the trophy.

In the WPL 2025 season, MI bounced back to claim their second WPL trophy in three years. Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amelia Kerr were exceptional, dominating the batting and bowling charts. The season culminated in an epic final, which was a repeat of the 2023 showdown against the Delhi, with MI prevailing by a tight margin of eight runs. This performance solidified MI’s reputation for building a stable core and mastering the crucial knockout stages.

WPL 2026: 5 players Mumbai Indians (MI) can retain ahead of Women’s Premier League mega auction

1. Harmanpreet Kaur (Capped Indian Batter/Captain)

Harmanpreet is fundamentally a non-negotiable retention for the Mumbai Indians. She is the established leader who has guided the franchise to two WPL titles, establishing the team’s winning culture from the outset. Her value transcends statistics; she is the emotional bedrock and the most reliable Indian batting presence in the crucial middle overs. As the Indian national captain, particularly following the World Cup 2025 triumph, retaining her secures leadership stability, enormous fan appeal, and her unique ability to perform under high-stakes pressure.

2. Nat Sciver-Brunt (Overseas All-Rounder)

Nat Sciver-Brunt is arguably the most impactful overseas player in the league and the engine room of MI’s strategy. Her world-class all-round performance, including being the WPL 2025 Orange Cap winner (with over 500 runs) and a vital pace-bowling option—makes her an absolute must-retain. She is an anchor with the bat who can accelerate aggressively and provides critical overs of pace. Securing her ensures MI retains a top-tier match-winner who delivers consistency across all phases of a T20 game.

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3. Amelia Kerr (Overseas All-Rounder)

Amelia Kerr is the second essential overseas retention, cementing MI’s powerful all-rounder core. She finished as the joint Purple Cap winner in WPL 2025, showcasing her unmatched ability to control the middle overs with her leg-spin while maintaining an excellent economy. Furthermore, her ability to strike quickly in the lower-order provides crucial balance. Given the cap of two overseas retentions, her dual high-impact skillset is prioritized, as she is a young, long-term asset who dominates both with bat and ball.

4. Amanjot Kaur (Capped Indian All-Rounder)

Amanjot Kaur represents a strategically valuable retention as a Capped Indian all-rounder. She is a dependable right-arm medium pace bowler and an explosive lower-order batter who has gained significant experience with the national team, including being part of the World Cup squad. Retaining her ensures MI preserves a highly competitive Indian utility player who offers pace bowling depth and power-hitting, filling a key Capped Indian slot while providing valuable flexibility and balance in the playing XI.

5. G. Kamalini (Uncapped Indian Batter/Wicketkeeper)

G. Kamalini is an essential strategic retention as the designated Uncapped Indian player, a slot that must be filled if MI retains five players. A sensational young talent, she was the youngest WPL debutant and fetched a high price (INR 1.6 crore) in the 2025 auction, demonstrating her potential. Retaining her secures a high-potential, low-cost asset (minimum retention value for uncapped players is INR 50 lakh) who possesses explosive left-handed batting ability and domestic wicketkeeping utility. Her retention preserves valuable purse space and fulfills a crucial structural requirement for the squad’s future.

5 players Mumbai Indians will likely retain ahead of WPL 2026 auction

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This article was first published at , a Cricket Times company.