WPL 2026 Sanskriti Gupta: As the fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) kicks off at the DY Patil Stadium, all eyes are on the defending champions, Mumbai Indians (MI). While the squad is packed with international superstars, one name is generating significant buzz among cricket analysts: the 20-year-old off-spinning sensation from Madhya Pradesh, Sanskriti Gupta.
Fresh off a title-winning 2025 campaign, Gupta has not only been re-acquired by the franchise but has also secured her spot in the Playing XI for the high-stakes season opener against RCB Women.
The ‘Manifestation’ that Brought Gupta Back to MI
For Sanskriti Gupta, the WPL 2026 Mega Auction was more than just a professional milestone—it was the fulfillment of a personal wish. After playing a pivotal role in MI’s trophy-winning run last year, Gupta admitted she “manifested” her return to the franchise.
The Mumbai Indians management clearly shared that sentiment, acting swiftly to re-acquire her for INR 20 lakh.
“It’s a family-like vibe here,” Gupta shared in a recent interview. “I felt a strong desire for MI to pick me back so I could continue playing in my natural style. Returning to this environment where I feel free to express myself is everything I hoped for.”
Sanskriti Gupta Career Highlights: From Accidental Cricketer to WPL Star
Gupta’s journey to the top of Indian domestic cricket is as unique as her bowling action. Interestingly, her career began by chance when she joined a cricket academy during the monsoon season, mistakenly thinking it was a football camp.
Initially a pace bowler at the U-16 level, she made the tactical switch to off-spin, a move that has paid rich dividends. Her 2025 WPL stats tell the story of a player who thrives under pressure:
- Matches Played: 10
- Wickets: 4
- Bowling Average: 14.00
- Economy Rate: 6.58 (Elite-level control)
- Best Figures: 2/11
Beyond the numbers, Gupta has earned a reputation for her lower-order hitting as a left-handed batter and her exceptional fielding awareness, making her a vital “three-dimensional” asset for captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
A Key Role in the 2026 Opener
The decision to include Gupta in the Playing XI against a formidable RCB side highlights the trust the MI coaching staff places in her. Playing alongside legends like Nat Sciver-Brunt and Hayley Matthews, Gupta provides the tactical flexibility Mumbai needs to squeeze opponents in the middle overs.
With a “tall frame and loopy action” that deceives batters in the air, Gupta is expected to be a major factor on the DY Patil surface, which often offers assistance to spinners as the game progresses.
As Mumbai Indians aim for back-to-back titles, Gupta believes the continuity of the squad is their greatest strength. With many of the 2025 stars returning, the chemistry is already established.
“The bonding between us is only becoming stronger,” Gupta noted. For this young spinner from Madhya Pradesh, WPL 2026 isn’t just a tournament—it’s the next step in becoming a household name in Indian cricket.
Team Cricket Duniyar writes on cricket and sports, providing timely updates, match previews, reviews, and trending stories from the world of sports.
