Two-time champions Mumbai Indians enter the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) with renewed confidence after successfully bringing back a major chunk of their title-winning core at the mega auction in New Delhi on Thursday. Reflecting on the team’s auction strategy, team owner Nita M Ambani said the focus was clear from the beginning—restore the championship squad that delivered glory in 2025.

“Auction days are always exciting but equally nerve-wracking,” Nita Ambani shared. “Our strategy was to bring back as many players as possible from our winning team of 2025. I’m delighted to have Amelia Kerr back along with our four Ss—Shabnim (Ismail), Saika (Ishaque), Sajana (Sajeevan) and Sanskriti (Gupta). We are also thrilled to welcome three promising youngsters—Rahila Firdous, Nalla Kranthi Reddy and Triveni Vashisth. And it’s wonderful to have Poonam Khemnar, Milly Illingworth and Nicola Carey join the Mumbai Indians family.”

In addition to long-standing pillars like captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur and G. Kamalini, MI also re-signed the highly sought-after Amelia Kerr, who was named Player of the Tournament at the latest T20 World Cup.

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The franchise also retained breakout performers S Sajana, Saika Ishaque, Sanskriti Gupta, and legendary South African pacer Shabnim Ismail, all of whom played crucial roles in MI’s past campaigns. Harmanpreet, who was present at the auction table, spoke about the excitement and preparation behind the scenes.

“Initially, I was a little nervous,” she admitted. “But I loved how we planned everything. Everyone contributed, and Nita Ma’am’s involvement is always our biggest strength. We’ve managed to bring back most of our core, which reflects the trust and belief we have in this group.”

Mumbai Indians’ auction strategy blended experience with future potential. In addition to proven performers, the team secured Australian all-rounder Nicola Carey, a multiple-time World Cup winner, and rising fast-bowling sensation Milly Illingworth.

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Staying true to their commitment to developing Indian talent, MI also added youngsters Nalla Kranthi Reddy and Triveni Vasistha, who will make their WPL debuts this season. Meanwhile, seasoned domestic performers Rahila Firdous and Poonam Khemnar bring valuable stability and experience to an already formidable squad.

With a well-rounded team and a potent blend of youth, experience and international pedigree, the Mumbai Indians look primed for another dominating WPL season.