New Delhi, Jan 9 (NationPress) The moment the auctioneer's gavel struck in the WPL 2026 mega auction last year, it confirmed that the Mumbai Indians (MI) had successfully reclaimed Sanskriti Gupta, their talented off-spin bowling all-rounder, for the upcoming season, which kicks off this evening at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

With MI acquiring her at her base price of Rs 20 lakh, Sanskriti’s dream became reality. “I was watching the auction with a wish in my heart that MI would pick me again, allowing me to play my natural game. It came true, and I couldn't be happier,” Sanskriti shared in an exclusive interview with IANS.

Known for her exceptional control in off-spin bowling and her ability to strike big as a lower-order batter, Sanskriti's return to the franchise where she clinched her first WPL trophy in 2025 signifies more than just a continuation of her journey in cricket.

“MI is an incredible franchise with a strong family-like atmosphere. I’ve always believed I can perform my best when playing for MI,” she expressed.

This nurturing environment appears to be a hallmark of the Mumbai Indians setup, and Sanskriti believes it will be pivotal in their quest to defend the title. With most of their primary players returning, the element of familiarity could be a game-changer.

“Besides the retained players, several of our first eleven are back. It’s wonderful because we share a solid bond from playing together and enjoying our time off the field. With almost all of us returning for at least the next two years, I hope our camaraderie strengthens even further,” she stated.

Being one of the youngest members of MI's championship-winning squad in 2025, Sanskriti absorbed valuable lessons from everyone around her in the dressing room. These experiences shaped her understanding of top-level women's cricket beyond mere technical skills.

“I took home many insights from that title-winning season. I learned about the intensity of WPL cricket and what it takes to consistently perform at the top level.

“I also gained insights into maintaining fitness, the mindset required while playing, and how to structure my preparation routine. I learned a lot from the players and coaches about making the right decisions in critical moments and staying composed under pressure,” she reflected.

These lessons crystallized during the 2025 final, where Sanskriti contributed crucial runs alongside Amanjot Kaur, helping MI secure a total of 149—a score that ultimately led to their victory.

“We had trained extensively for such scenarios. We anticipated facing these situations in matches. So when the final came, we were ready. We discussed maximizing our running between the wickets.

“Amanjot and I also talked about how rotating the strike could be beneficial when boundaries were hard to come by. Our preparation was key, and when the final arrived, it really paid off,” she recounted.

The subsequent celebration was particularly memorable for Sanskriti, who participated in all ten games and took four wickets.

“It was amazing, and we celebrated it in style. Winning the tournament was monumental for me because it was my first trophy—an unforgettable moment,” she said.

Securing a significant trophy often alters the perceptions of athletes. For Sanskriti, the transformation has been evident in how others view her abilities.

“People's perspective has shifted; they now believe I can deliver exceptional performances anytime on the field. When a franchise like MI places their trust in you, it reinforces the belief that I can achieve great things, and experiencing that reality is unparalleled,” she expressed.

Back in Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh, the recognition has taken on a more personal level.

“In my hometown, almost everyone now knows me. They didn’t recognize me before, but now they know my family and visit them.

“There hasn’t been much change off the field since I’m not home often. My coaches keep things grounded for me at the academy. There are many aspiring cricketers, and I want them to reach higher levels. They’re putting in a lot of effort,” she said.

When asked about her favorite aspect of cricket, Sanskriti’s response is instantaneous: fielding.

“I find fielding to be the most enjoyable part. It’s my favorite because, as an all-rounder, if I encounter ups and downs in batting or bowling, I can always excel in fielding.

“I manifest that all the balls come to me. Wherever I field, I aim to concede the least runs. I strive to excel in every catch or fielding opportunity, and I genuinely enjoy it,” she said.

The energy she brings to the field has become a defining characteristic, but it wasn’t solely cultivated through cricket training.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic, I played a lot of football (she was part of the Madhya Pradesh women’s football team), and my warm-up routine includes an hour of football. This has enhanced my agility and speed, enabling me to cut down on boundaries while fielding,” she noted.

Among the friendships formed in the MI camp, her bond with Sajana Sajeevan stands out. Their initial interaction set the stage for a strong connection, with the franchise’s social media referring to them as their ‘in-house Ambaan and Rangaa chechi’.

“On my first day with the team, I met her first. I was unfamiliar with her personality or how she interacts with juniors, but she is very humorous, and our vibes aligned. I always seek to have fun and make everyone laugh, which solidified our bond,” she shared.

When MI brought in Sanskriti’s state team-mate Rahila Firdous, she had already informed her about the family atmosphere within the franchise.

“Before the WPL auction, we had extensive discussions. She had undergone trials and asked me how I was doing. I told her about the familial vibe here, where everyone—staff and players—are welcoming, regardless of whether they are newcomers or veterans.

“The team’s spirit is unique here. Hearing this excited her, and she was eager to play for Mumbai. When I was selected for the first time, she expressed a desire to play for Mumbai in the following year. I encouraged her, saying, ‘Yes, yes, please come. We’ll have a blast together.’”

The enthusiasm is mutual, considering Sanskriti’s other MP teammates—Anushka Sharma (Gujarat Giants), Kranti Gaud (UP Warriorz), and Pooja Vastrakar (if fit, for Royal Challengers Bengaluru)—also participate in WPL 2026.

This WPL season follows India’s victorious Women’s ODI World Cup campaign, and Sanskriti has witnessed first-hand how that triumph has shifted public perception.

“I feel immensely proud that we won the ODI World Cup in India. People are beginning to recognize that women can excel in cricket. After that World Cup victory, attention has surged, with more people realizing that girls can play exceptionally well and secure multiple trophies.

“I’ve seen a noticeable increase in people enjoying women’s cricket, which is fantastic for all girls who are achieving and performing remarkably at the highest levels,” she said.

For Sanskriti, this heightened attention brings a multitude of opportunities in WPL 2026—to demonstrate her abilities and inspire the next generation, especially those from regions where her name was not well-known until recently.

As the new WPL season commences, her objectives are clear—to craft the next chapter of her journey, one manifestation at a time.

“I want to play as often as possible. I aim to make the most of every opportunity and improve with each performance. My goal in WPL 2026 is to give my best and continue to evolve. With the preparation I’ve undertaken, I want to ensure it’s spot on so we can clinch the trophy again,” she concluded.