WPL 2024: Five Mumbai Indians players to Keep an Eye On in Season 2

Add as a preferred source on Google

Mumbai Indians women had a triumphant inaugural Women's Premier League season as they beat Delhi Capitals to lift their maiden trophy in 2023.

As the WPL 2024 approaches, the defending champions have the onus to defend their title and it will be a challenging task.

Among the plethora of stars that MI have, most of them performed extremely well and we also saw the emergence of a few unearthed Indian talents who made a name for themselves in the grand platform.

Harmanpreet Kaur led her troops diligently and showed her prowess both as a batter and a captain, and she will have to replicate the same in season 2 of the tournament. They have added some firepower in the WPL 2024 auction, and here are five players who will be the pivotal cogs in the Mumbai setup.

Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews was the star for Mumbai last season. She was excellent all around and stamped her authority in the tournament. Matthews scored 271 runs with the bat and picked up 16 wickets.

The 25-year-old was sold to MI for just Rs 40 lakhs, and undoubtedly she will be a another pivotal part of the team this year. After her stellar display last season, eyes will be on the West Indies player.

Shabnim Ismail

Shabnim Ismail is one of the new signings of Mumbai Indians for WPL 2024. The legendary South African pacer has a host of experience and is set to play a key part for them.

Ismail played for UP Warriorz last season and picked up 3 wickets in as many matches. But at MI, the veteran bowler is expected to spearhead the attack and perhaps also provide valuable lessons to the youngsters in the team. Hence, Ismail's input as a player and mentor is something to keep an eye on.

Saika Ishaque

Saika Ishaque was a revelation for Mumbai Indians last season. The 28 year old bowler from Kolkata was outstanding for them and her left-arm spin caused havoc throughout the season. She ended up picking up 15 wickets in the tournament and was one of the finds of the inaugural WPL season.

As the WPL 2024 approaches, Ishaque is someone to watch out for as there will be pressure on the player to deliver again for her team. She went on to play for India last year and knows another solid outing in WPL can open bigger doors for her.

Chloe Tryon

Chloe Tryon is one of MI's auction signings in 2022 but is yet to make her debut. The South African player has been in superb form with the bat for her country and can bowl left-arm spin, and we can expect her to feature a lot this season.

At MI, Tryon may have more of a batting role as she will be a key player up top for them. The Proteas player has played 94 T20Is for her country and scores at a rate of 137, hence that is something she will be tasked with for Mumbai Indians. It is her first season in the WPL, but the expectations will be high.

Harmanpreet Kaur

Harmanpreet Kaur definitely is one of the stars of women's cricket and she is an obvious player to watch out for in the upcoming season. The MI captain scored 281 runs last season and scored three fifties for her team.

She will be a vital part of their batting unit and her blitzkrieg in the middle order will be as important as her leadership on the field. The 34-year-old would love to be the first MI captain (across both MI teams) to defend a franchise tournament successfully.