The Mumbai Indians (MI) have been synonymous with success in both the men's and women's teams. However, ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) Mega Auction, MI faces its most significant structural problem. By retaining a maximum of five players, the franchise ensured stability at the expense of flexibility. 

The solution is largely dependent on MI's performance in the 2026 auction, where they have only ₹5.75 crore and no right-to-match (RTM) card. MI has almost no room for mistakes in a talent-rich yet fiercely competitive economy. Here, we delve deep into the probable top three target players of the two-time WPL champions, Mumbai Indians.

Mumbai Indians Women's 2026 WPL Retained Players:  Natalie Sciver Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur, G Kamalini

1. Sophie Eccelstone

Sophie Eccelstone could be one of the right and potential targets of the defending champions to fill the gap in the spinners department. She is now ranked first in the ICC Women's T20I rankings, having played an important role for England. She was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the WPL's inaugural season, with 16 wickets for her former franchise, UP Warriorz.

She has become an expert at spinning webs around batters, making her the ideal candidate to meet the team's spin requirements. Eccelstone can also help the lower-order batters score crucial runs. In 25 WPL matches, she has taken over 36 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.69.  

2. N Sree Charani

For the spectators of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, fans were also aware of another spinner, Deepti Sharma, who gave a tough time to the runners-up, South Africa, as they struggled to make it to the gigantic 299-run target. It was the Andhra-based left-hand off-spinner, N Sree Charani.

With the Mumbai Indians also requiring an off-spinner to suit the slower-pitch conditions, Charani should be one of the top picks for the side. Although Charani has played only two matches for her former side, Delhi Capitals, she has taken four wickets, showcasing her skills and potential and could be one of the most expensive domestic players in the group

3. Kranti Gaud

Kranti Gaud is an exciting young fast bowler emerging from India, known for her impressive ability to break partnerships by striking at crucial moments. Her natural pace, combined with sharp variations, makes her a valuable asset in pressure situations.

For the Mumbai Indians, a team that thrives on a strong and versatile bowling unit, adding someone like Gaud would strengthen their pace department significantly. She not only brings raw speed but also the kind of wicket-taking instinct that can shift the momentum in tight games—making her a smart and impactful target for MI in the upcoming auction.