The Mumbai Indians have entered the Women's Premier League 2026 mega auction with a clear championship mindset, aiming to defend their title with a carefully retained core of star performers. The franchise has strategically kept five key players who were instrumental in their past successes, demonstrating their commitment to continuity and team stability.
Star-Studded Retention Strategy
Leading the Mumbai Indians' charge will be Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur, retained for an impressive Rs 2.5 crore. Her dynamic leadership and explosive batting capabilities have consistently proven crucial during high-pressure matches. The franchise has also secured the services of England's premier all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt, who becomes one of the league's highest-paid players at Rs 3.5 crore.
Completing the international retention trio is West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews, known for her aggressive batting approach and valuable bowling contributions, retained for Rs 1.75 crore. The franchise has also invested in emerging Indian talent, retaining Amanjot Kaur for Rs 1 crore and uncapped player G Kamalini for Rs 50 lakh, signaling their focus on building for the future.
Auction Pursuit and Strategic Buys
Entering the mega auction with Rs 5.75 crore remaining in their purse, Mumbai Indians faced the challenge of filling 13 additional squad slots. With no Right to Match options available due to maximum player retention rules, the team management had to employ tactical precision in their bidding strategy.
The franchise demonstrated their commitment to familiar faces by aggressively pursuing former players. They successfully brought back New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr for Rs 3 crore, making her their second-most expensive acquisition for the season. The team also reunited with South African pace sensation Shabnim Ismail and uncapped player Sanskriri Gupta, adding depth across all departments.
Complete Squad Composition
The final Mumbai Indians squad for WPL 2026 presents a balanced mix of experienced international stars and promising domestic talent. The retention-heavy approach has created a strong foundation, complemented by strategic auction purchases designed to address specific team requirements.
The complete MI squad includes:
- Natalie Sciver (Retained) - Rs 3.50 crore
- Harmanpreet Kaur (Retained) - Rs 2.50 crore
- Hayley Matthews (Retained) - Rs 1.75 crore
- Amelia Kerr - Rs 3 crore
- Amanjot Kaur - Rs 1 crore
- Gunalan Kamalini - Rs 50 lakh
- Sajeevan Sajana - Rs 75 lakh
- Shabnim Ismail - Rs 60 lakh
- Saika Ishaque - Rs 30 lakh
- Nicola Carey - Rs 30 lakh
- Triveni Vasistha - Rs 20 lakh
- Sanskriti Gupta - Rs 20 lakh
- Poonam Khemnar - Rs 10 lakh
- Rahila Firdous - Rs 10 lakh
- Nalla Reddy - Rs 10 lakh
This carefully constructed squad combines the firepower of established international performers with the potential of emerging Indian cricketers, creating a formidable unit capable of mounting a strong title defense in the upcoming Women's Premier League season.
