Mumbai Indians (MI) is the most successful team in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), winning two out of three editions so far. But ahead of the WPL 2026 mega auction, the franchise found itself facing some hard decisions. With only five retentions available, MI retained Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur, and uncapped G Kamalini.
MI had to let go of several proven performers that paved their way for success. The WPL 2026 auction, scheduled for November 27, will be crucial for the five-time champions to plug gaps and re-establish their balance. With just Rs 5.75 crore left in their purse, the franchise’s biggest challenge lies in strengthening its all-round department once again. While they have NSB, Matthews and Amanjot Kaur, there are major gaps that need to be fulfilled. Here are three all-rounders who could help MI regain that edge in the upcoming season.
1. Nadine de Klerk – The underused match-winner
Nadine de Klerk’s WPL 2025 stint with MI was frustratingly quiet. It wasn’t because of form, but lack of opportunity. She did not get a single game despite being in the squad, which now feels like a missed trick. A pace-bowling all-rounder who thrives under pressure, De Klerk has proven her value for South Africa on multiple fronts.
In the recent Women’s World Cup, she maintained a strike rate of 131.64, second only to Richa Ghosh among players who faced at least 20 balls. With the ball, she was South Africa’s third-highest wicket-taker with nine scalps and also leaked just six runs in the final over of the Indian innings at the summit clash.
The biggest moment came when de Klerk led SA to a remarkable win on her own. From a position of 142/6, she guided her side to a tremendous win, hammering 84 from 54 balls against eventual champions India. With Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet and Matthews all batting up the order, MI need an all-rounder who can ace the finishing role.
2. Amelia Kerr – Glue MI can’t afford to lose
Amelia Kerr’s release surprised many. A player who offers control with leg-spin and stability in the middle order, Kerr was the backbone of MI’s middle overs over the last two seasons. Across her WPL career, she has 437 runs and 40 wickets, which are a great numbers for a 24-year-old. In the last WPL season, her economical spells and clever variations often shifted games in MI’s favour. Kerr also ended up with the Purple Cap with 18 wickets in her last edition in a title winning campaign.
3. Deandra Dottin – The power package
Few cricketers can light up a match the way Deandra Dottin can. The West Indies veteran may not have been part of the WPL in all the editions, but her explosive hitting and wicket-taking ability make her a player worth another look. Across T20s, Dottin has a terrific tally of 5390 runs and almost 150 wickets. Her experience in franchise leagues around the world, including the Women’s CPL and The Hundred, brings balance and leadership, something MI could use in a squad now full of young faces.
Last year, she represented Gujarat Giants and delivered a potent season, smacking 142 runs at a strike rate of 154.35, alongside 9 wickets at an economy of 8.43.
Full list of MI’s retentions for WPL 2026
- Retention 1 – Nat Sciver-Brunt (Rs 3.50 crore)
- Retention 2 – Harmanpreet Kaur (Rs 2.50 crore)
- Retention 3 – Hayley Matthews (Rs 1.75 crore)
- Retention 4 – Amanjot Kaur (Rs 1 crore)
- Retention 5 – G Kamalini (uncapped) (Rs 50 lakhs)
- RTM – 0
Purse left – Rs 5.75 crore
MI release list for WPL 2026
Amelia Kerr ✈️, Chloe Tryon ✈️, Jintimani Kalita, Pooja Vastrakar, Saika Ishaque, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Shabnim Ismail ✈️, Amandeep Kaur, S. Sajana, Keerthana Balankrishnan, Nadine de Klerk ✈️, Sanskriti Gupta, Akshita Maheswari, Parunika Sisodia
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