Mumbai Indians (MI) face critical pressure as they aim for a direct finals spot against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in WPL 2026. This season, MI has struggled, losing four of their six matches so far. Historically, they have never experienced such a poor start in the group stage.
MI’s Unprecedented Struggles in WPL 2026
Before this season, MI had never lost four matches in a single group stage. Their fourth loss in WPL 2024 marked their elimination. This year, MI finds themselves in a similar predicament.
- Matches Played: 6
- Losses: 4
- Net Run Rate: Positive, one of only two teams, alongside RCB
Despite these setbacks, MI holds a slight advantage with a positive net run rate. However, their performance has room for improvement, particularly in their opening partnerships.
Key Players and Team Dynamics
The absence of Hayley Matthews due to a shoulder injury has complicated MI’s batting order. Traditionally, Matthews and Yastika Bhatia opened the innings. This season, however, MI has tried four different opening pairs, struggling with an average of 21.6 runs for the first wicket.
Bowling and Economic Performance
MI has also faced challenges with their bowling. They have the highest economy rate of 8.6 in the powerplay, allowing over 50 runs in the first six overs on four occasions.
- Leading Bowlers:
- Shabnim Ismail – 15 overs, 3 wickets, economy 5.33
- Nicola Carey – 9 overs, 3 wickets, economy 9.33
Notably, only two players, Harmanpreet Kaur and Nat Sciver-Brunt, have crossed the 200-run mark for MI this season, while other batters have struggled.
The Upcoming Challenge Against RCB
MI will face RCB, who are coming off their first defeat this season and are eager to secure their position in the finals. A victory against MI could solidify RCB’s place. With MI on a three-match losing streak, the stakes are high.
Possible Team Line-ups
RCB may keep their lineup unchanged, barring any late changes due to player fitness. Their likely squad includes:
- Grace Harris
- Smriti Mandhana (captain)
- Georgia Voll
- Gautami Naik
- Richa Ghosh (wk)
- Radha Yadav
- Nadine de Klerk
- Pooja Vastrakar/Sayali Satghare
- Arundhati Reddy
- Shreyanka Patil
- Lauren Bell
MI’s likely lineup is as follows:
- S Sajana
- Hayley Matthews
- Nat Sciver-Brunt
- Harmanpreet Kaur (captain)
- Amelia Kerr/Nicola Carey
- Amanjot Kaur
- Sanskriti Gupta
- Poonam Khemnar
- Rahila Firdous (wk)
- Shabnim Ismail
- Vaishnavi Sharma
Statistical Insights
MI’s challenge lies not only in their recent performance but also in the statistics against RCB players. Notably:
- Ismail has dismissed Smriti Mandhana five times in T20 matches.
- Carey has four dismissals against Mandhana in ten innings.
- Richa Ghosh has been impactful, scoring 200 runs at a strike rate of 201.04 in the death overs of the WPL.
Pitch Conditions
The upcoming match will take place at Kotambi Stadium, which has shown less bounce compared to previous venues. Bowler-friendly conditions are expected, with spinners performing well.
As MI prepares to face the challenges ahead, securing a win will not only boost their chances but also allow them to reclaim their momentum in WPL 2026.
