New Delhi, Jan 8 (NationPress) The Mumbai Indians (MI), champions twice, continue to be the formidable force in the 2026 Women's Premier League (WPL). However, they are anticipated to encounter tougher adversaries this season, according to former Indian captain Anjum Chopra.

Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, MI holds the title of reigning WPL champions, having secured victory in two out of the three editions since the tournament's launch in 2023. “Any team has the potential to pose a challenge. It's not that MI is invincible. We witnessed this in the second season, where they faced competition from RCB and occasionally from the Gujarat Giants.

“Yet, due to their strong belief in being a well-coordinated team that knows how to clinch championships, we often think of MI as the team to beat. This applies to both the IPL and WPL, and it’s undeniably true.

“This season promises to be fiercely contested as it’s not solely about the international players excelling. The local talent has begun to shine as well, especially after their recent World Cup victory,” Anjum Chopra shared in an exclusive interview with IANS just before the tournament kicks off.

MI boasts important uncapped Indian players like G. Kamalini (retained), alongside Sanskriti Gupta and Sajeevan Sajana. They have also brought in promising new talents such as Rahila Firdous, Poonam Khemnar, Triveni Vasistha, and Nalla Reddy, all of whom were meticulously scouted.

“The young and uncapped cricketers that MI discovers – take Rahila Firdaus for instance, who has been selected. These players have made their mark in local cricket. If MI is scouting and you trust their scouting process, you'd know these players are worth watching,” she noted.

“Consider how Charani joined Delhi Capitals and immediately made her way into the national squad, becoming a world champion. In just ten months, her life has transformed. MI also has players of similar caliber in their ranks.”

“Yes, MI can be challenged. It’s up to the opposing teams to strategize and execute their game plan to outsmart the defending champions,” Anjum added.

With Hayley Matthews, captain of the West Indies, set to open the batting, MI now faces the dilemma of selecting her partner after Yastika Bhatia was injured and signed by the Gujarat Giants. Anjum believes it may be time for Kamalini to take on the opening role, having previously performed as a lower-order finisher in the victorious 2025 season.

“I believe Kamalini can partner with Hayley Matthews at the top of the order. This is definitely worth considering. Besides that, they may have to bring in a younger player as well, since their middle order already includes Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Amelia Kerr.

“So, either they opt for Kamalini at the top of the batting lineup or look for a younger player who can perform alongside Hayley Matthews,” she added.

The tournament is set to take place at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, both of which are recognized for their batting-friendly conditions that may benefit MI’s remarkable all-round capabilities.

“Conditions will be favorable for batting at either venue. We know Navi Mumbai offers excellent conditions. At Kotambi Stadium, the pitches are also very conducive to batting.

“As dew settles in, the challenges for bowlers in the second half need to be considered. This is a crucial aspect. Most captains may prefer to win the toss and field first to manage the dew effect. Overall, batting conditions should be advantageous,” Anjum explained.

She also proposed that the boundary dimensions be increased for WPL 2026. “I hope the boundaries are extended slightly. Although I’m unsure of the exact measurements, it seems plausible to push them back by at least five meters.”

MI has also recruited new coaching staff – Lisa Keightley as head coach and Kristen Beams as the spin-bowling coach – to enhance the championship-winning ethos established under former head coach Charlotte Edwards.

“(Keightley and Beams bring) a wealth of positive intent that has characterized the team over the years. The championship mentality instilled by Charlotte Edwards will only be further reinforced by their presence, given their credentials as quality cricketers from Australia.

“Additionally, having fresh perspectives can greatly benefit the players, as many of the core 11-12 players remain unchanged. A new viewpoint can assist the team in various ways. I’ve heard just two days ago from their camp that there’s no pressure, but the aim remains to win the championship,” Anjum concluded.