‘Perfect blend of experience and youth’ – Anjum Chopra backs MI as serious title contenders in WPL 2027

The two-time Women’s Premier League champions Mumbai Indians have assembled a roster combining established international cricketers with emerging Indian talent for the 2027 season. The franchise, which won the WPL title in 2023 and again in 2025, approached the auction with a focused strategy to strengthen its squad ahead of the new campaign.

Anjum Chopra highlighted how Mumbai has invested strategically in both proven overseas performers and young domestic players, creating what she described as a well-rounded unit capable of competing for the title.

“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. 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,” Chopra said on JioStar.

“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,” she added.

How did MI approach the WPL 2027 auction?

Mumbai Indians entered the auction with a limited purse of Rs 90 lakh, fewer funds than rival franchises. The franchise signed six Indian players for Rs 10 lakh each: Disha Kasat, Latika Inamdar, Bharti Rawal, Sanika Chalke, Shweta Sehrawat and Akshita Bhagat. When their initial target, Kiran Navgire, joined Delhi Capitals instead, MI pivoted to Shweta Sehrawat and secured her without facing competition. The franchise also signed multiple young players who can slot into the opening position if needed, with both Disha Kasat and Sanika Chalke possessing significant talent.

MI’s international contingent includes Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr and Shabnim Ismail, alongside captain Harmanpreet Kaur. The franchise’s scouting and player development system has consistently identified emerging talent that becomes prominent within a season or two. Chopra praised MI’s approach to nurturing young players, explaining that the franchise provides clear roles and allows them to develop within the system.

“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 does 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,” Chopra said.

WPL 2027 tournament schedule and MI’s opening match

New head coach Luke Williams, who previously worked with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has selected players he believes will add value to the squad. Chopra noted that the squad built for WPL 2027 represents a significant upgrade from the previous season, with improved balance across batting, bowling and fielding options.

“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,” Chopra said.

The 2027 Women’s Premier League season ran from January 14 to February 7. Vadodara and Mumbai each hosted 11 matches during the league phase. The tournament moved to Mumbai on January 26, with Brabourne Stadium hosting the remaining league fixtures. The Eliminator was scheduled for February 5, with the final on February 7. Mumbai Indians opened their campaign against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by Smriti Mandhana, at Kotambi in Vadodara on January 14.