Summary: Mumbai Indians, the first-ever champions of the WPL, are gearing up for the 2025 season with an aggressive approach and a focus on fearless play. Head coach Charlotte Edwards emphasizes the importance of clarity, fun, and building on strengths for the upcoming tournament. The team is training with new players, including international talent, as they prepare to face Delhi Capitals in their opening game in Vadodara on February 15.
Mumbai Indians, the reigning champions of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), are set to embark on their journey to defend their title with an ambitious and bold mindset. Head coach Charlotte Edwards, a former England cricketer, has unveiled the team’s mantra for the 2025 season – one that emphasizes aggression, fearlessness, and above all, a sense of enjoyment on the field.
New Additions and Preparations:
In preparation for the upcoming season, Mumbai Indians have made strategic acquisitions, bringing in fresh talent to bolster their squad. With the inclusion of wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini, and allrounders Nadine de Klerk, Akshita Maheshwari, and Sanskriti Gupta, the team is looking forward to unleashing their “exciting talent” on the field. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur has expressed her excitement about the new additions, particularly highlighting the capabilities of de Klerk, the only international player among the new recruits.
The team has already begun their training regimen, with almost a week of intensive practice sessions conducted in Navi Mumbai. This early preparation is crucial for building team chemistry and honing individual skills, especially with a focus on the Indian players who form the core of the squad.
Coach Edwards’ Vision:
During a press conference in Mumbai, Coach Edwards shared her vision for the Mumbai Indians in the upcoming season. She stressed the importance of instilling an aggressive approach in every aspect of the game – batting, bowling, and fielding. Edwards emphasized the need for players to understand their roles clearly and play to their strengths while maintaining a fearless attitude on the field.
For Edwards, the ultimate goal is to see her players enjoy the game and have fun while delivering impactful performances. She believes that a happy and motivated squad is more likely to succeed and entertain fans with exciting cricket. Reflecting on the team’s performance in the previous season, Edwards commended the players for their fantastic display and expressed her desire to see them continue to improve and strive for victory in the upcoming matches.
Youthful Energy and Development:
One notable aspect of the Mumbai Indians’ squad for the 2025 season is the presence of several young players, with nine members of the team under the age of 25. Among them is 16-year-old Kamalini, who showcased her talent by scoring 143 runs for India during the Under-19 World Cup. Edwards sees this youthful energy as a positive force for the team, emphasizing the need to channel their aggression effectively in T20 cricket.
The coach’s role is not only to nurture the players’ skills but also to guide them in understanding the nuances of the game beyond just hitting boundaries. She values the forward-thinking and open-minded approach of the young cricketers, appreciating their willingness to learn and grow. Edwards finds joy in coaching players who exude positivity and enthusiasm, traits that she believes will contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season.
Expansion of the WPL:
As the Women’s Premier League continues to evolve, the tournament is set to expand its reach to new cities in India. The third edition of the WPL, scheduled to commence on February 14, will be played across four venues: Vadodara, Lucknow, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. This expansion aims to promote women’s cricket at the grassroots level and inspire young girls to pursue the sport.
Jhulan Goswami, the renowned former Indian cricketer and bowling coach of the Mumbai Indians, views the WPL as a platform to empower aspiring female cricketers and elevate the game in the country. She emphasizes the significance of taking the tournament to different regions to engage with local communities and foster talent development. Goswami looks forward to competing in new stadiums like Vadodara’s and Lucknow’s while relishing the opportunity to play in front of the passionate Mumbai Indians’ fans at the iconic Brabourne Stadium.
As Mumbai Indians gear up to face Delhi Capitals in their opening game in Vadodara on February 15, the team is brimming with anticipation and determination to showcase their skills and make a mark in the upcoming season of the Women’s Premier League. With a blend of experience, talent, and youthful exuberance, the Mumbai Indians are ready to embark on a new chapter in their WPL journey.
