Mumbai Indians Face Injury Blow as Kamalini Exits WPL 2026
The Mumbai Indians have suffered a significant setback in their Women's Premier League campaign. Wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini will miss the rest of the WPL 2026 season due to an injury. The defending champions have moved quickly to fill the gap, announcing Vaishnavi Sharma as her official replacement.
Young Talent's Season Cut Short
Seventeen-year-old Kamalini featured in five matches for Mumbai Indians this season before the injury forced her out. Her early departure marks an unfortunate end to what promised to be an exciting campaign for the young player. The team management confirmed the news through an official WPL release, stating they selected Vaishnavi Sharma for the remaining matches.
Vaishnavi Sharma Steps In
Vaishnavi Sharma joins the Mumbai Indians squad for Rs 30 lakh, bringing her left-arm spin bowling to the team. She comes with impressive credentials, having been part of India's victorious ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup squad in 2025. The spinner has already represented India in five T20 Internationals, claiming five wickets in those appearances.
Both Kamalini and Vaishnavi share recent national team experience. They were together in the T20I squad that faced Sri Lanka in December last year. Interestingly, both players have also received maiden ODI call-ups for India's upcoming white-ball tour of Australia.
Mumbai Indians' Current Standing
Mumbai Indians have experienced a mixed start to their WPL 2026 defense. They have secured two victories from their first five matches. Despite losing their last two games, the team maintains second place on the points table. Their position remains secure due to a superior net run rate compared to other teams.
The defending champions have three league matches remaining before the playoffs begin. Their next challenge comes against bottom-placed Delhi Capitals at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi on Tuesday. This match presents a crucial opportunity for Mumbai Indians to regain momentum and solidify their playoff position.
Broader Cricket Context
India's women's cricket team has a busy schedule ahead. They are set to play three T20Is and three ODIs in Australia between February 15 and March 1. Following these limited-overs matches, the team will participate in a one-off Test in Perth from March 6 to 9. The Test squad announcement remains pending, adding another layer of anticipation for cricket followers.
The Women's Premier League continues to showcase emerging talent while providing valuable match practice ahead of international tours. Mumbai Indians' roster adjustment demonstrates how teams must adapt to unexpected challenges during competitive tournaments.
