Mumbai Indians (MI) have only themselves to blame for being stuck in this mess. After starting the season with promise, the defending champions have lost four of their last five matches. They could’ve had an easy playoff run but now nothing depends on them.
The latest blow came against Gujarat Giants (GG), where even a captain’s knock for the ages from Harmanpreet Kaur could not save them. Mumbai had the game in their hands at various stages, but familiar problems returned. Top-order failures, pressure on the middle order, and an over-reliance on individual brilliance rather than collective calm. This has been MI’s WPL 2026 problem.
Harmanpreet fought alone with an unbeaten 82, but the holes dug earlier in the tournament finally caught up. Losing momentum in the middle overs, letting games drift, and failing to close out tight chases has left MI without control over their own fate. Catching and fielding have left a lot to be desired as well. For the first time in WPL history, Harmanpreet’s side is staring at a possible group-stage exit, something that once felt unthinkable for this squad.
How MI can still sneak into WPL 2026 playoffs
Mumbai Indians now have no matches left. Their qualification depends entirely on what happens in the final league game between Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz.
MI Qualification Scenarios
| Scenario | Result Needed | Outcome for MI |
|---|---|---|
| DC beat UPW | DC move to 8 points | MI eliminated |
| UPW beat DC (small or moderate margin) | All three on 6 points | MI qualify on best NRR |
| UPW beat DC by ~156 runs | UPW overhaul MI’s NRR | MI eliminated |
UP Warriorz need a near-impossible miracle to knock MI out on net run rate. To put it in context, such a margin has almost never been seen in women’s franchise cricket. As long as UPW beat DC without rewriting history, MI’s superior net run rate should carry them through.
WPL 2026 Points Table
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Q) | 8 | 6 | 2 | 12 | +1.247 |
| Gujarat Giants (Q) | 8 | 5 | 3 | 10 | -0.168 |
| Mumbai Indians | 8 | 3 | 5 | 6 | +0.059 |
| Delhi Capitals | 7 | 3 | 4 | 6 | -0.164 |
| UP Warriorz | 7 | 2 | 5 | 4 | -1.146 |
