New Delhi, Dec 11 (NationPress) Aakash Chopra shared his insights regarding the Mumbai Indians' tactics during the recent Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction, asserting that the franchise adhered strictly to its core philosophy and ideology, striving to maintain its foundational elements without attempting to fix what is not broken.

The WPL 2026 auction solidified the Mumbai Indians' commitment to stability rather than comprehensive changes, as the reigning champions concluded the event with a lineup that closely resembles last season’s championship squad. Instead of pursuing a radical overhaul, MI concentrated on keeping its reliable core intact while making targeted, necessary additions—an approach that received commendation from JioHotstar’s panel of experts.

Former Indian captain Mithali Raj emphasized the team's clarity in enhancing its bowling lineup while safeguarding the successful foundation that has proven effective.

"The Mumbai Indians have excelled in their bowling department. They have acquired top-tier seamers like Nikola Carey and Milly Illingworth," Raj stated during her commentary on JioHotstar.

She also accentuated MI’s impressive player availability record, noting, "Their primary players may not have an immediate substitute. However, as observed in the past three seasons, their key players have not missed matches. They might have been rested when the team was performing well, but they have not been sidelined due to injuries. We hope this trend continues for MI in future seasons."

Aakash Chopra resonated with this view, highlighting that MI’s minimal adjustments are intentional rather than conservative. "The Mumbai Indians have retained nearly everything as it was. There has only been a change in one keeper. They utilized Yastika Bhatia for three years, and now Gunalan Kamalini or another player will step in. That is the only notable alteration. The rest remains largely unchanged," he remarked.

He asserted that the franchise's enduring philosophy continues to thrive. "They remain committed to their guiding principles, even after a significant auction. Why attempt to fix what is not broken? If something is amiss, we will address it. Their adherence to this philosophy and ideology is evident," he noted.

Chopra further added that achieving continuity following a major auction is a significant accomplishment. "Maintaining the same squad after a mega auction is quite challenging. Following a substantial auction, retaining your core players is not always feasible. Winning complicates the next auction since you aim to retain everything, yet change is often inevitable.

“Nonetheless, if you can maintain your eleven players from the previous year or your core, and no key player is absent, that is a remarkable feat. It’s nearly unachievable. However, the Mumbai Indians have demonstrated that nothing is impossible. Their lineup mirrors last year’s, featuring only minor shifts. MI is undoubtedly on the right path to claim their third WPL title," he elaborated.

Saba Karim also underscored that MI’s disciplined approach stems from a clear understanding of their needs, stating that once those priorities were established, MI transitioned to acquiring supplementary talent.

“The primary focus of the Mumbai Indians was to secure Amelia Kerr and Shabnim Ismail. Both are recognized match-winners. Once they signed those two, they could pursue additional uncapped talents and players already associated with MI. This encapsulates the essence of MI. They cultivate an environment that assures players, enabling them to perform at their peak,” he remarked.

With their proven match-winners retained, an untouched core, and targeted reinforcements secured, the Mumbai Indians appear ready for another strong title challenge. If continuity fosters success, MI may indeed be establishing the framework for a lasting WPL dynasty.