Mumbai Indians kick off their quest for a third TATA WPL title on January 14 against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Vadodara, having strengthened their squad at the auction with several uncapped players.
Speaking on JioStar’s ‘Match Centre Live Auction Special’, JioStar experts Veda Krishnamurthy, Abhinav Mukund and Anjum Chopra assessed MI’s auction strategy, the influence of new head coach Luke Williams and their chances of challenging for the TATA WPL 2027 title.
Speaking on JioStar’s ‘Match Centre Live Auction Special’, JioStar expert Veda Krishnamurthy shared her thoughts on Shweta Sehrawat’s move from UPW to MI. She said, “I am really happy about Shweta Sehrawat joining Mumbai Indians because it’s a team that will give her the freedom to play her natural game.”
“In her previous team, the responsibility of scoring runs was entirely on her shoulders, and the batters around her were not contributing much, which put more pressure on Shweta and affected her game. Now that she’s with Mumbai, she will get the chance to learn from the best and develop properly as a youngster. Shweta has been on the receiving end of criticism over the last few years.”
“A lot was expected of her. She came into the first season of the WPL as a U19 World Cup winner and the top scorer for the Indian side and was picked by UP Warriorz. She was tried in different positions in the batting order there. She is technically an opener and UP management used her as a finisher. Then she was made a wicketkeeper overnight and expected to do magic. I felt that was too much to ask of a youngster.”
Abhinav Mukund opened on MI’s improved squad balance and the influence of new head coach Luke Williams. He opined, “I feel like this MI side has a much better balance to it from last season and I also like the fact that their new head coach Luke Williams, who was previously with RCB, has picked players that he feels will add value and strengthen this squad.”
“They picked up Disha Kasat, who worked closely with him at RCB, and the trade move for Tara Norris as well is quite impressive. Tara was working with Luke in the inaugural edition of the Women’s Hundred. So, the Luke Williams effect is already showing in their squad. Tara’s addition has given MI the option of not being forced to play Shabnim Ismail in the playing XI.”
“That was a big problem for them last year, where they could not figure out their four overseas options. Tara is an associate player, which gives the two-time champions the opportunity to field five overseas players, which is a win-win situation for them as a team. And this squad they have built for WPL 2027 is a huge upgrade from last year.”
Anjum Chopra broke down MI’s auction plan, and why they look like serious title contenders. The former cricketer stated, “MI entered the auction with a set plan of filling the power-hitter role, someone who can open the innings and bat in an aggressive manner.”
She added, “They initially tried going after Kiran Navgire, but she ended up joining DC. Then they moved to Shweta Sehrawat and got her without facing any challenges. They have also signed many other young players who can fit into the opening slot in case Shweta doesn’t deliver.”
“Disha Kasat and Sanika Chalke are both very talented players, so the MI team management will have a good problem on their hands when they sit down to decide their opening combination. This squad that MI have built post the auction is a perfect blend of experience and youth, and they are looking like serious title contenders.”
On how MI’s scouting system keeps unearthing talent at every auction, Chopra stated, “MI’s’ scouting system deserves a lot of credit. Every auction, they find players nobody else is talking about, and within a season or two, those same players become household names.”
“This time they bought six Indian players, and what stands out is how smartly they spent. What MI do well is that they do not just buy talent, they back it. They give these youngsters a clear role and let them grow, which is why so many of them come through their system and become superstars. With Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr and Harmanpreet Kaur in the squad, the younger ones have the perfect environment to learn.”
“The wicketkeeping choice between Rahila Firdous and Latika Inamdar is a good problem to have. Rahila was really good with the gloves last season, but it is too early to judge her batting, so MI will back her. Latika has had an amazing domestic season, and if Rahila doesn’t do well, MI have a capable backup in her. This is how MI have built their success over the years, and their scouting team is a big reason for it,” Chopra went on to say.
