Mumbai Indians Gear Up for WPL Season with Ambitious Goals

Mumbai Indians Set to Defend Their Title

Following their championship victory in the last Women's Premier League (WPL), the Mumbai Indians (MI), recognized as the most accomplished team in the league, are eager to kick off the new season. They will face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the opening match scheduled for January 9. MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who led the Indian women's cricket team to World Cup success, aims to channel that inspiration to defend their title. During a pre-season press conference in Mumbai, she expressed, "Every time I step onto the field, my goal is to win the trophy. The new year begins with the WPL, and I carry the same enthusiasm and energy into this tournament. Our mindset remains unchanged; we have secured two trophies in the last three seasons and are determined to perform well and reclaim the title this season."

A Special Connection with Mumbai

Harmanpreet shared her sentiments about her first role in Mumbai, stating, "This city holds a special place in my heart. Each time I play here, I witness positive outcomes. I am confident that this season will also be remarkable. Last year was a significant one for women's cricket, and I hope this year begins on a similar note."

Empowering Women Through an All-Female Coaching Staff

This season, MI will also benefit from the leadership of Lisa Keightley, a two-time World Cup champion, who is set to make her debut as head coach in the WPL. Lisa emphasized the importance of having an all-female coaching staff, aligning with MI's values and Nita M. Ambani's vision to empower women in sports. "Having a completely female coaching panel is exhilarating and a unique experience for me. It provides an opportunity for fans and women globally to see females in coaching roles. I hope to see this trend grow over the next decade," she remarked in a recent statement.

Support from MI's Mentor

Jhulan Goswami, MI's mentor and bowling coach, praised Lisa's appointment, stating, "Working with her is a privilege given her two decades of coaching experience. We have much to learn under her guidance. At MI, we believe in empowering women, and having an all-female coaching team is a tremendous advantage for us."

Retaining the Winning Squad

The Mumbai Indians have decided to retain the core group from last year's championship-winning team.