WPL 2026: MI's strongest playing XI ft. Harmanpreet Kaur

The Mumbai Indians are the most successful franchise in the league, having won the title two times.

Defending champions Mumbai Indians have successfully retained the backbone of their title-winning squad for the Women’s Premier League Season 4 (WPL 2026).

By holding on to captain Harmanpreet Kaur, star all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur, and highly rated uncapped talent G. Kamalini ahead of the auction, MI have ensured continuity and balance.

This strategic retention had left the franchise with one of the most formidable and settled cores in the competition. Moreover, the glaring absence of Amelia Kerr was fulfilled at the auction, as MI broke the bank to get back the star Kiwi all-rounder.

Alongside some valuable buys at low prices, let’s take a look at how the reigning champions are shaping up, ahead of their title defense.

Strongest Mumbai Indians playing XI for WPL 2026-

Top Order – Hayley Matthews, G. Kamalini (WK), Nat Sciver-Brunt

Mumbai’s top 3 are not only the most feared and powerful batting trio, but also guarantee eight-over spells every match. MI retained this deadly trio ahead of the auction. Matthews has consistently performed well with the bat for MI, and is the leading wicket-taker with the ball for the Mumbai Indians in WPL history.

Kamalini hopes to repay the faith shown in her by the management. She is one of the most exciting prospects, not only for MI but also for India. At No. 3 is the competition’s best and most valuable player, Nat Sciver Brunt.

The England captain was retained at the highest slab, even ahead of Kaur, which shows the impact she has had at the WPL. Brunt played a key role in helping MI win two titles, and she will play a key role with both bat and ball.

However, Mumbai will hope she is 100% fit, as her recent Groin injuries have prevented her from completing her bowling quota.

Middle Order and Lower Order – Harmanpreet Kaur, Amelia Kerr, Amanjot Kaur, Sajana Sajeevan, Poonam Khemnar

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been the perfect fit in this Mumbai Indians batting lineup. She has mastered both the role of anchor and attacker.

Amelia Kerr will be expected to perform well with the bat. She has been short of runs, mainly last season, but there is no doubt in her potential and what she brings to the table. That was evident at the auction, as she became one of the most expensive players, going at 3 Cr.

Kerr’s bowling exploits make her a valuable asset, and her excellent fielding makes her a complete player. Amanjot Kaur is now a regular feature in the Indian team, and by retaining her, MI have taken a leap of faith.

Amanjot will be tasked with a dual role, expected to close out innings with the bat while also handling the pressure of bowling in the death overs. Sajana Sajeevan and Poonam Khemnar are likely to be deployed as floaters in the batting order, offering flexibility rather than volume.

As a result, much of the Mumbai Indians’ batting responsibility will rest on captain Harmanpreet Kaur and their three overseas stars, who form the core of the lineup.

Bowling Attack – Shabnim Ismail, Saika Ishaque, Triveni Vasistha

At 60 lakh, gun pacer Shabnim Ismail rejoined the Mumbai Indians. Having retired from Internationals, the South African is still one of the fastest pacers in the women’s game.

She provided opening breakthroughs for Mumbai last year and will reprise the same role. While Ismail is expected to start, MI have a solid backup in the form of Australia’s Milly Illingworth.

Saika Ishaque and Triveni Vasistha provide additional spinning options. Ishaque was the purple-cap holder of the inaugural WPL season, but her performance deteriorated over the next couple of seasons. Bowling will majorly be in the hands of Kerr, Matthews, Brunt, Amanjot, and Ismail.

Mumbai Indians’ playing XI-

Hayley Matthews, G. Kamalini (WK), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Amelia Kerr, Amanjot Kaur, Sajana Sajeevan, Poonam Khemnar, Shabnim Ismail, Saika Ishaque, Triveni Vasistha.

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