MI WPL 2027 auction needs: Full list of retained, released players and possible targets

Mumbai Indians finished fourth in WPL 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI

Mumbai Indians endured a difficult WPL 2026 campaign, beset by injuries and inconsistency, and failed to qualify for the Playoffs for the first time in its history.

A defeat to Gujarat Giants in its final outing left Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. fourth in the table, with three wins from eight matches, two points behind third-placed Delhi Capitals.

In the off-season, the team has already undergone a major change to its backroom staff, with head coach Lisa Keightley departing to take up a development role with Cricket Australia. She has been replaced by fellow Australian Luke Williams, who guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to its maiden title in 2024.

Despite last season’s disappointment, MI has largely opted for continuity, retaining the bulk of its core. It will hope that key players, including Hayley Matthews, who missed several matches through injury last season, and Nat Sciver-Brunt, enter the tournament fully fit.

One notable absence will be G. Kamalini, who is expected to be unavailable as she will be representing India at the Under-19 World Cup during the WPL window. MI has also released several fringe players who made little impact last season, including Saika Ishaque, Triveni Vashistha and Poonam Khemnar.

The franchise has already moved to strengthen its squad, bringing in American seamer Tara Norris from UP Warriorz through a trade to complete its overseas contingent.

Possible auction targets: Kamalini’s absence leaves MI needing a new opening batter who can also keep wicket. With Matthews also missing games last season, MI experimented with several makeshift opening options, with limited success. Rahila Firdous is the only other recognised wicketkeeper in the squad, making the search for a reliable top-order batter who can keep a priority.

Mumbai Indians WPL 2027 auction details

MI players retained ahead of WPL 2027 auction: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur, Amelia Kerr, Shabnim Ismail, Sanskriti Gupta, Sajana Sajeevan, Rahila Firdous, Nicola Carey, Vaishnavi Sharma, Tara Norris (traded).

MI players released ahead of WPL 2027 auction: G. Kamalini, Milly Illingworth, Nalla Kranti Reddy, Poonam Khemnar, Saika Ishaque, Triveni Vashistha.