Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur set a clear tone Wednesday, pushing for a “winning mindset” as the franchise geared up for WPL 2026. This approach, she credits to her time with MI, has changed her cricket outlook.
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has made her think differently, she explained at a Mumbai press conference. MI head coach Lisa Keightley echoed this, highlighting the team’s strong core and commitment to growing domestic talent, all before MI’s opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Mumbai’s Winning Blueprint
Harmanpreet isn’t just talking about participation anymore. “Wherever I go, I want to think about winning,” she said. “Participation, we have been doing for so many years, I think that doesn’t change anything. But if you go with a winning mindset and work towards that, that can bring a lot of things to you and to your country.” This newfound conviction comes directly from her MI experience, she claims. The franchise, with its multiple IPL titles, instilled that hunger for victory.
MI has won two WPL titles in three seasons (2023 and 2025) under her command. And Harmanpreet’s leadership extends beyond the WPL.
She recently captained India to the women’s ODI World Cup title, a success she partly attributes to MI’s culture. “WPL made a lot of changes in me, especially thinking because before that, some limitations were there,” she explained. “When I came here and worked with MI… they were always thinking about what best we can do to beat any team or to win the title.” That’s a powerful statement from a top player, really.
She’s ready for WPL 2026. “Whenever I go on the field, I tell my team that I want to win the trophy,” Harmanpreet confirmed. “This new year starts with the WPL and I have the same energy and excitement going into the tournament.” Mumbai holds a special place for her, too. “It’s a special city and I’ve had a lot of positive results here,” she noted, looking to add another WPL crown.
Cultivating Talent, Backing Leadership
New MI head coach Lisa Keightley, a two-time World Cup winner herself, emphasized stability. “The team’s settled,” she stated. “We’ve got a good core group of players.” Keightley and her all-female coaching staff, including mentor Jhulan Goswami, are focused on a “family atmosphere.” They want players supported and confident in their roles.
Keightley also believes the WPL is a huge boost for Indian domestic cricket, providing tough competition for players who then perform better internationally. “You’ve seen the result through India winning the 50-over World Cup,” she pointed out to ESPN. It’s a clear impact.
Former India pacer Jhulan Goswami, now MI’s mentor, sees Harmanpreet’s calm leadership shine at MI. Goswami, who captained Harmanpreet back in 2009, noted the difference. “I think when she is leading Mumbai Indians, she is more calm because she knows that she has the quality players around her,” Goswami told ESPNcricinfo.
Top international players like Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, Hayley Matthews, and Shabnim Ismail make her job easier. The “great culture” at MI allows Harmanpreet to thrive, making her the most successful captain in WPL history. Goswami praised Harmanpreet’s calm, positive demeanor and competitive edge, especially in crunch situations.
WPL’s International Ripple Effect
The WPL’s high level of competition directly benefits Indian women’s cricket. Playing quality cricket and facing international stars prepares players for national duties. Harmanpreet herself acknowledged this. “The more cricket you play, the more your confidence grows,” she said.
And the league is helping uncover new talent, too. Lisa Keightley observed the passion and competitive spirit of domestic players at MI, something she didn’t see as much in Australia. She loves seeing it. “For some it changes their life,” Keightley added, about the opportunities the WPL creates.
Goswami, meanwhile, is pushing for more opportunities for fast bowlers in the domestic setup, believing state teams rely too much on spinners. She’s nurturing pacers at MI, like Nalla Kranthi Reddy, a 21-year-old with a unique slingy action. The WPL is making a difference across the board. It’s a proving ground for everyone.
As WPL 2026 approaches, Mumbai Indians enters as the defending champion. The squad is settled, no injuries reported. Their focus remains on winning a third title, starting with the opener against RCB. Harmanpreet’s winning mindset, backed by MI’s strong culture and Keightley’s nurturing approach, sets them up as strong contenders. It seems like the WPL is doing exactly what it set out to do: elevate the game. And India’s World Cup win shows that.
Soureesh Datta 
Sagnik Banerjee 
Ishaan Singh