Two-time champions Mumbai Indians are considered the team to beat in the upcoming 2026 Women’s Premier League, according to former India captain Anjum Chopra. Despite their strong record, they are expected to face tougher competition from other teams this season.
Anjum Chopra highlighted that while Mumbai Indians have a well-established winning reputation, they can still be challenged by other sides. She emphasized that the league is becoming more competitive, with both foreign and Indian players excelling, making the tournament a keenly contested one.
Mumbai Indians have included promising uncapped Indian players like G. Kamalini, Sanskriti Gupta, and Sajeevan Sajana in their squad for the upcoming season. The team has also scouted talents such as Rahila Firdous, Poonam Khemnar, Triveni Vasistha, and Nalla Reddy to strengthen their lineup.
Anjum Chopra noted the importance of young and uncapped players in Mumbai Indians’ squad, drawing parallels with past success stories like Charani at Delhi Capitals. She emphasized that while Mumbai Indians are a strong team, their opponents have the opportunity to challenge them with strategic game plans.
With the Women’s Premier League set to take place at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, Anjum highlighted the favorable batting conditions at both venues. She suggested that the dew factor could pose challenges for bowlers in the second half of matches.
Anjum also recommended extending the boundary dimensions for the 2026 Women’s Premier League to add an extra challenge for the players. Mumbai Indians have made changes in their coaching staff, with Lisa Keightley taking over as head coach and Kristen Beams as the spin-bowling coach, aiming to enhance the team’s championship-winning culture.
