Mumbai, Jan 9, 2026 — As the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season gets underway, one of the quieter but meaningful stories coming out of the Mumbai Indians (MI) camp is the resurgence of Sanskriti Gupta, the young off‑spin bowling all‑rounder whose return to the franchise this season has a personal story attached to it.
Gupta, who was re‑acquired by MI at the 2025 WPL auction for her base price, told reporters she had hoped and believed that her instincts and confidence would see her re‑signed by the defending champions. “I manifested that MI would pick me back,” she said with a smile, recalling her reaction when the auction results confirmed her selection for WPL 2026.
From Unsold to Re‑Signed: A Journey of Self‑Belief
Sanskriti Gupta’s journey into the WPL spotlight is itself notable. She first broke through with MI in WPL 2025, showing promise as an up‑and‑coming all‑rounder capable of both bowling tidy off‑spin and contributing useful runs down the order. That season culminated in a title for Mumbai Indians, where Gupta played all ten games, taking four wickets and famously contributing an unbeaten last‑over cameo in the final that helped secure victory.
Rather than seeing her place taken as teams reshaped squads, MI chose to bring her back. That decision was a meaningful moment for the player, who had quietly hoped for continuity and a chance to build on her WPL impact. Gupta has spoken about watching the auction unfold and feeling a hopeful thought in her mind that “MI should pick me back,” and when it happened, she said it was “so delightful.”
Her choice of language — manifestation — underscores a calm self‑confidence that is often overlooked in competitive sport. Rather than framing her return as sheer luck or reliance on chance, Gupta emphasised controlled belief and preparation, signals that she approaches the game with both mental and technical readiness.
MI’s environment: more than just a franchise
One of the themes Gupta repeatedly brought up is the family‑like culture at Mumbai Indians. For her, it isn’t just a matter of being on a team with good players; it’s about being part of a group where players support one another and help each other grow. Gupta explained that this kind of vibe — where players share a bond built over matches and off‑field time — is partly what makes her confident she can perform freely and consistently.
That environment matters. Team culture can shape players’ confidence, especially for younger talents stepping into bigger stages. MI’s strategy in the WPL auction and retentions was to keep key players from their 2025 title squad, maintaining a strong core that knows how to handle pressure and success. Gupta’s return fits into that strategy, bringing back a familiar face who already knows the team’s dynamics and expectations.
Her cricketing identity: spin, batting, and fielding
Gupta is primarily known for her off‑spin bowling, where her ability to control flight and pace makes her an effective option in middle overs. But she also sees herself as a capable lower‑order batter and an electric fielder, adding depth to her all‑round profile — a trait that’s essential in modern T20 cricket.
In conversation, she highlighted how much joy she gains from fielding, particularly because it offers consistent chances to influence the game even if the bat or ball doesn’t deliver in a given match. Her football background — playing for the Madhya Pradesh women’s football team — contributes to her agility and athleticism, which she says helps her cover ground in the field.
This kind of multi‑faceted contribution is valuable in the WPL format. Teams now look beyond specialist roles and favour players who offer three‑dimensional value — bowling, batting and fielding — and Gupta’s profile fits that mould. Mumbai Indians will no doubt lean on that versatility, particularly as they balance matchups against tough batting line‑ups in contenders like Royal Challengers Bengaluru or Gujarat Giants.
Growing with experience: Lessons from title success
Gupta’s experience in WPL 2025 wasn’t just about winning; it was also about learning what elite T20 competition demands. She spoke about how much she absorbed from teammates and coaches, from fitness and preparation routines to staying composed in tight moments. That learning curve is arguably what made her confident in manifesting a return with MI.
She recalled the 2025 final as a specific moment where preparation paid off — a remnant insight that coming into high‑pressure situations with the right mindset makes all the difference. That final match cameo showed her maturity and sense of situational awareness, traits that MI will look for again this season.
Looking ahead: WPL 2026 goals
Gupta’s goals for WPL 2026 are straightforward but ambitious: she wants to play as much as possible, make each opportunity count, and continue improving. Her belief is that consistent performance — backed by a strong team unit — will not only help MI chase another title but also further her individual journey in elite women’s cricket.
She also highlighted how the larger context of Indian women’s cricket — including the recent ODI World Cup success — has boosted visibility and respect for female cricketers. That wave of enthusiasm, she believes, opens doors for players who perform strongly in domestic and franchise cricket, emphasising how WPL is now a critical platform for rising talents.
Why her story matters
On the surface, Gupta’s comments might read like a simple expression of delight at being picked by a team she loves. But there’s a deeper narrative here:
1. Confidence and mindset
Her belief in manifesting her selection reflects a mental approach where players set emotional and psychological intentions, not just technical goals. This kind of mindset can influence performance — particularly in high‑pressure league cricket.
2. The value of continuity
After a breakout campaign in 2025, getting retained by MI meant stability — something not all players enjoy in franchise leagues. Continuity helps build rhythm and confidence, especially for younger all‑round talents.
3. Evolving role in WPL ecosystem
As teams increasingly rely on flexible squads with players who adapt to various roles, Gupta’s all‑round skills and fielding energy are assets. T20 cricket rewards players who can influence the game in multiple phases.
4. Inspiration for young cricketers
Coming from Sidhi in Madhya Pradesh, Gupta’s journey from domestic cricket to a franchise league champion adds another layer to the story of expanding opportunities in Indian women’s sport.
Conclusion: More than a pick: a belief validated
Sanskriti Gupta’s comments ahead of WPL 2026 show more than excitement about being picked by Mumbai Indians again. They reflect a mature understanding of the sport, the value of team culture, and the importance of self‑belief in forging a professional career.
Her story in 2026 will be watched not just for her on‑field contributions but also as part of the broader narrative of how players grow through franchise leagues, leverage experiences, and turn confidence into performance. As MI chase back‑to‑back titles, Gupta’s energy and versatility could be an important piece in their campaign.
