WPL 2025: Mumbai Indians Squad Preview – As MI Seek to Bounce Back After An Early Exit Last Year

After a dominant title-winning campaign in 2023, Mumbai Indians’ defense of their crown in WPL 2024 ended in disappointment. Despite boasting a strong squad, their reliance on all-rounders became a double-edged sword, leading to back-to-back losses against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, including the Eliminator that ended their journey.

While there was no need for a drastic overhaul, MI recognized the importance of strengthening key areas. They retained their experienced core while adding reinforcements through smart auction picks. With a formidable top order and seasoned internationals, captain Harmanpreet Kaur will be focused on getting consistent performances from the domestic players, particularly in the lower order and fast-bowling department.

Auction Strategy: Smart Buys to Strengthen the Squad

With a settled lineup, Mumbai Indians entered the WPL 2025 auction with a clear plan—to address gaps rather than chase marquee players. Their main concerns revolved around potential injury setbacks to key players, prompting them to make strategic investments.

Mumbai Indians entered the WPL 2025 auction with a clear strategy, focusing on reinforcing key areas rather than making wholesale changes. Their biggest signing was G Kamilini, the recently crowned U-19 World Cup-winning wicketkeeper, for ₹1.6 crore after an intense bidding war with Delhi Capitals.

To add depth to their all-round department, they acquired Nadine de Klerk from South Africa for ₹30 lakh, providing a reliable option with both bat and ball. In the pace-bowling unit, they secured Akshita Maheshwari for ₹20 lakh, a promising young talent who impressed with twin hat-tricks in domestic cricket. Additionally, MI picked up Sanskriti Gupta for ₹10 lakh, further strengthening their squad depth and ensuring they have adequate cover for potential injuries. These smart acquisitions not only address gaps in the squad but also add youthful energy and versatility to the team.

Parunika Sisodia Replaces Injured Pooja Vastrakar for WPL 2025

Mumbai Indians will be without the services of allrounder Pooja Vastrakar this season, as she continues her recovery from an injury sustained during the T20 World Cup last year. Having not featured for India since October 2024, she remains on the sidelines, forcing the team to look for a replacement. To fill the void, MI have brought in promising young left-arm spinner Parunika Sisodia, who was a standout performer in India’s triumphant Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup campaign.

Sisodia, who previously played for Gujarat Giants in the inaugural WPL season, made a significant impact on the global stage with her match-winning performances. She was named Player of the Match in the U-19 World Cup semi-final for her brilliant 3/21 against England and followed it up with an impressive 2/6 in the final against South Africa. Her ability to thrive under pressure makes her a valuable addition to the squad.

Joining Mumbai Indians at her base price of INR 10 lakhs, Sisodia is expected to bolster the team’s spin attack. As she steps into Vastrakar’s spot, MI fans will be hoping for her to deliver match-winning performances. Meanwhile, the franchise and its supporters extend their best wishes to Vastrakar for a swift recovery.

Additionally, Mumbai Indians have made a notable backroom change, with former Australian cricketer Nicole Bolton replacing Lydia Greenway as fielding coach for the upcoming season.

Key Players to Watch

One of Mumbai Indians’ most influential figures, Harmanpreet Kaur, remains at the heart of their campaign. The captain’s ability to control the middle order, accelerate when needed, and contribute with her off-spin makes her indispensable. After a mixed 2024 season, where she struggled to find consistent support from the lower order, Harmanpreet will look to lead from the front and guide MI deep into the tournament. Her vast experience in high-pressure games, both internationally and in franchise cricket, makes her the team’s go-to leader in crunch situations.

Another key player is Nat Sciver-Brunt, who was instrumental in MI’s title-winning campaign in 2023 and remains one of the best all-rounders in the game. The English star provides stability at No. 3 and can shift gears effortlessly, making her a nightmare for opposition bowlers. Her ability to deliver breakthroughs with the ball further enhances MI’s balance. Sciver-Brunt’s performances in the middle overs will be crucial, especially with MI aiming to avoid over-reliance on a few individuals like last season. If she finds her rhythm early, MI will have a strong foundation for success.

With Pooja Vastrakar currently sidelined due to injury, Akshita Maheshwari could emerge as a breakout star. The right-arm pacer’s impressive domestic performances, including twin hat-tricks in the U-23 One-Day Trophy, highlight her wicket-taking ability. Her potent inswingers and economical spells could provide MI with an edge in the powerplay. With a golden opportunity to cement her place in the XI, Maheshwari’s performances in the early fixtures will be closely watched. If she can replicate her domestic form at this level, MI may have found a long-term pace option.

With her ability to take wickets in crucial moments, Saika Ishaque also remains one of Mumbai’s most dependable bowlers. Her performances in the middle overs will be crucial to MI’s success.

Mumbai Indians Predicted XI for WPL 2025

1. Yastika Bhatia (wk)
2. Hayley Matthews
3. Nat Sciver-Brunt
4. Harmanpreet Kaur (C)
5. Amelia Kerr
6. S Sajana
7. Amanjot Kaur
8. Amandeep Kaur/Keerthana Balakrishnan
9. Akshita Maheshwari
10. Shabnim Ismail
11. Saika Ishaque

WPL 2025 Schedule: Tough Road Ahead

Mumbai Indians will begin their campaign against Delhi Capitals in Vadodara on February 15. Three of their league matches will be played in Bengaluru, where they will face RCB, UP Warriorz, and DC. Their final two group-stage games—against Gujarat Giants and RCB—will be played at CCI, Mumbai, on consecutive nights, a challenging scenario as they push for playoff qualification.

With a well-rounded squad and fresh talent stepping up, Mumbai Indians have everything they need to challenge for the WPL 2025 title. However, their success will hinge on overcoming past weaknesses and delivering consistently under pressure.

Read More: WPL 2025: Delhi Capitals Squad Preview – Can Meg Lanning’s Side Finally Clinch the Trophy?

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