With the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 just around the corner, cricket legend Jhulan Goswami has offered a ringing endorsement of Harmanpreet Kaur’s legacy, her leadership qualities and the evolving strength of the league’s domestic talent. Serving as bowling coach and mentor for Mumbai Indians, Goswami spoke passionately about the enduring impact of one of India’s most decorated cricketers.
Mumbai enters the 2026 season as defending champions, having lifted the WPL title in 2023 and again in 2025. Central to both triumphs was skipper Harmanpreet, whose consistency over multiple seasons has etched her name among the league’s top stars. She ranks among the top five run-scorers in WPL history with 851 runs, showcasing her longevity and value at the top of the order
Reflecting on those contributions and her overall influence, Goswami had high praise for her long-time teammate “What she has done for Indian cricket, for Mumbai Indians and franchise cricket is phenomenal. I don’t think anyone can touch her record in the near future. She is the first Indian women’s captain to win a World Cup, has already won two WPL titles, and hopefully many more will come. The legacy she will leave will be very difficult to describe, because I believe she still has 4–5 years of cricket left.”
As Mumbai aim for another title in the fourth edition of the WPL, one of the biggest changes for the defending champions is in their coaching leadership. Australia’s Lisa Keightley has taken over as head coach from England’s Charlotte Edwards. Goswami says that this shift doesn’t signal a new philosophy but rather a continuation and deepening of Mumbai’s signature style.
“That mindset started with Charlotte, and Lisa brings the same approach. We want to play fearless cricket,” she asserted, highlighting the franchise’s commitment to an aggressive, bold brand of the game. She also spoke about team continuity, noting that the team has retained nine of last year’s final eleven, which she believes strengthens the group through familiarity and shared experience.
Mumbai has been one of the most consistent sides in the competition. Their blend of experienced internationals and rising stars has enabled them to execute bold strategies across seasons. Beyond the established stars, Goswami sees encouraging growth among India’s domestic players, a development she believes is crucial for the evolution of the WPL and the national game. In her view, the players coming through the ranks are increasingly comfortable dealing with the intensity of elite competition.
“In the first season, domestic players were not used to the pressure, crowds and fitness levels required. Over time, they have improved a lot and reduced the gap with international players,” she said. Goswami’s comments reflect a broader confidence within Mumbai’s camp: that blending seasoned internationals with rising talent creates a dynamic and resilient squad.
As WPL 2026 nears, the narrative for the Mumbai Indians and Indian women’s cricket more broadly remains one of steady growth and bold intent. With a captain whose record has already been described as “untouchable” and a coaching group committed to promoting fearless cricket, Mumbai enters the new season with clarity and confidence.
The defending champions appear well equipped to embrace fresh challenges. When they take the field against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on January 9, it will not just mark the beginning of another WPL campaign, but the continuation of a journey built on belief, ambition and sustained excellence.
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