MI retention: Star performers franchise should retain for WPL 2026 season



Mumbai Indians women (Source: AFP)Mumbai Indians women (Source: AFP)

The three seasons of the Women's Premier League are done and dusted, and each year, it is growing into a bigger brand. Now, the stage is set for a mega auction in November ahead of the 2026 season, and according to rules, each team can retain a maximum of five players.

They can retain a maximum of two capped players, two overseas, while there should be atleast one uncapped player if the team is retaining five cricketers. One of the most high-profile teams in the league is the Mumbai Indians. They are the defending champions and have won two out of the three seasons.

So, they would like to retain their star players for the next season. Thus, in this article, we will look at the four players who should be retained by the Mumbai Indians.

Harmanpreet Kaur

Harmanpreet Kaur has led the Mumbai Indians to two titles and is likely to be the first player on their retention list. She has been brilliant with the bat too and has played many match-winning knocks under pressure in all three seasons.

Criterion
Data
Innings26
Runs851
Average40.52
Strike-rate143.50
100s/50s0/8

Despite being 36 years old, Harmanpreet Kaur remains one of the cleanest hitters of the cricket ball in the women's game. She has scored her runs at a strike rate of over 140 in WPL so far and is all set to lead the Mumbai Indians in the next cycle as well.

Nat Sciver-Brunt

Nat Sciver-Brunt is arguably the best all-rounder in women's cricket currently and has been a pillar of MI's batting line-up. In the last season, she scored her runs at an average of 65 and a strike-rate of over 150, which shows the kind of contribution she made in their title run.

Criterion
Data
Innings29
Runs1027
Average46.68
Strike-rate141.85
100s/50s0/8
Wickets32

The English captain also picked 12 wickets and MI would want a player of her calibre and experience in their arsenal for the next cycle too. Nat Sciver-Brunt is also known to bring out her best under pressure, and thus, she is likely to be the first overseas retention for MI.

Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews is one of the most impactful cricketers in the world and has been a star for MI with her batting at the top of the order and off-breaks. She is known for her aggressive batting and has given MI quite a few fast starts.

Criterion
Data
Innings29
Runs758
Average27.07
Strike-rate121.47
100s/50s0/5
Wickets41

Also, she can bowl in different junctures of the game, which gives Harmanpreet more options and flexibility. Thus, she is likely to be preferred as the second retention option despite players like Amelia Kerr and Shabnim Ismail in the MI squad.

Amanjot Kaur

Amanjot Kaur is likely to be MI's second Indian capped retention. She has emerged as a genuine all-rounder in the recent past and did well for MI in the last season. With the bat, she can tonk the ball and has displayed that for MI and India, while she can be trusted to bowl her four overs more often than not.

Criterion
Data
Innings18
Runs209
Average23.22
Strike-rate127.43
100s/50s0/0
Wickets5

The cricketer has also grown in experience since the last WPL and can serve MI for a long time with her all-round skills.