Harmanpreet Kaur Eyes More Glory as Mumbai Indians Gear Up to Defend WPL 2026 Crown

“We will do whatever is possible to win the title. This new year starts with the WPL and I have the same energy and excitement going into the tournament. We have the same mindset. We have won two trophies in the last three seasons. And we want to play well this season and win the trophy again,” Harmanpreet asserted during the Mumbai Indians’ pre-season press conference in Mumbai on Wednesday.

MI is the most successful franchise in the tournament, having claimed the title twice, in 2023 and 2025, under Harmanpreet’s leadership. This year, she said the focus has been firmly on mental preparation. “We’ve spoken a lot about being mentally ready. The team is quite stable, we have a strong core group, and everyone knows their role. That clarity makes a big difference when the tournament starts.”

Harmanpreet also spoke about her personal connection with Mumbai, describing the city that has had a positive impact on her career. “Mumbai feels special to me as I always get to see positive results,” she said. “The energy of the city and the support you get here makes a big difference. It’s a place where I’ve always felt comfortable and that helps you express yourself freely on the field.”

This year, MI is making history as its coaching lineup appears to be the first in WPL history where every major coaching-support role is held by women. Leading them is the new head coach Lisa Keightley, who has taken over from Charlotte Edwards who quit her role to become the England women’s team head coach.

Lisa reflected on having an all-female coaching staff and how it reflects MI’s ethos to empower women through sport. “To have a full female coaching panel is really exciting and something different for me. We’re giving an opportunity for supporters and females across the world to actually see females in the coaching space. From that point of view, I gwould love to see it more often and I think over the next 10 years you’ll see that,” she stated.

Voicing her thoughts on new head coach Lisa, MI mentor and bowling coach Jhulan Goswami said, “It’s a blessing to work with her as she has 20 years of coaching experience. We can learn a lot under her leadership. At MI, we believe that women should always come forward and I think having an all-female coaching team is the best thing for us.”

Mumbai Indians (MI) will kick off their WPL 2026 campaign by playing a clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on January 9 at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.