Reigning champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have emerged from the WPL 2026 mega auction with a squad that feels familiar. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, the two-time WPL winners have prioritised continuity, ensuring the bulk of their title-winning core stays intact as they prepare to defend their crown from January 9. Read on to know about the returning stars, fresh signings and every fixture lined up for Mumbai this season.
Core retained
Ahead of the auction, MI held on to five players, namely, Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur and G. Kamalini.
The franchise then made its biggest move of the day by bringing Amelia Kerr back, spending ₹3 crore to win a fierce bidding war. The New Zealand all-rounder became the most expensive overseas player of the WPL 2026 auction.
South African pace ace Shabnim Ismail and India’s Sajeevan Sajana were also repurchased, strengthening the familiar squad of MI’s bowling and lower middle order. Spinners Saika Ishaque and Sanskriti Gupta returned as well.
The defending champions added fresh depth through the likes of Nicola Carey, Milly Illingworth, Triveni Vasistha, Nalla Reddy, Rahila Firdous and Poonam Khemnar.
MI’s 2026 campaign opens on January 9
The WPL 2026 season runs from January 9 to February 5, featuring 22 matches across two venues which are Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. MI will play eight league games in total, with the opening 11 fixtures of the tournament hosted at Navi Mumbai’s D.Y. Patil Stadium, followed by the remaining 11, including the Eliminator and the final, at Vadodara’s Kotambi Stadium. The season will also feature two Saturday double-headers.
Mumbai Indians begin their title defence against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on January 9 at D.Y. Patil. Notably, the WPL final will, for the first time, be played midweek, scheduled for Thursday, February 5.
Mumbai Indians’ full WPL 2026 schedule
Paltan, save the dates ☑️#TATAWPL schedule #AaliRe! 💙 pic.twitter.com/cPeZkRqKlb
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) November 29, 2025
Navi Mumbai:
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MI vs Royal Challengers Bangaluru – January 9
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MI vs Delhi Capitals – January 10
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MI vs Gujarat Giants – January 13
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MI vs UP Warriorz – January 15
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MI vs UP Warriorz – January 17
Vadodara:
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MI vs Delhi Capitals – January 20
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MI vs Royal Challengers Bangaluru – January 26
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MI vs Gujarat Giants – January 30
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