‘Manifested’ Return: Young Spinner Sanskriti Gupta Becomes Mumbai Indians’ X-Factor in WPL 2026

Sanskriti Gupta, a 20-year-old off-spin bowling all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh, has emerged as one of the most talked‑about young names in Indian women’s cricket as the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season begins. Re-signed by the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the mega auction, her selection and likely role in the defending champions’ campaign have pushed her into the national spotlight, particularly among fans in India.

Gupta, who impressed in the previous WPL season with her controlled off-spin and useful lower‑order batting, was brought back by Mumbai Indians in the WPL 2026 mega auction from the uncapped players’ category. The franchise secured her services for ₹20 lakh, matching her base price, underlining the team’s belief in her long‑term potential as a bowling all‑rounder in their title defence plans.[2][3][1]

In recent media interactions, Gupta revealed that she had “manifested” a return to the Mumbai Indians setup. She said she watched the auction hoping MI would pick her again so she could continue playing in an environment where she feels both comfortable and creatively free with her cricket. According to her, the franchise offers a strong family-like atmosphere that allows her to maintain her natural playing style. She also highlighted the importance of continuity, noting that many first‑choice players from last season have been retained, strengthening the team’s chemistry for at least the next two years.[2][3][1][5]

For WPL 2026, Mumbai Indians see Gupta as part of a spin attack that can support their established stars. Preview reports and probable line-ups for the season’s early fixtures list her in MI’s playing XI, alongside key names such as Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver‑Brunt, Amelia Kerr and Saika Ishaque. This indicates that team management expects her to contribute not only with the ball in middle overs but also as a lower‑order option in pressure situations.[7][8]

Beyond the franchise setup, Gupta’s rise reflects a broader shift in Indian women’s cricket. She represents Madhya Pradesh on the domestic circuit and has also featured for India A Women and other sides, building a steadily growing profile in national competitions. Her growing stat sheet, tracked by major cricket platforms, positions her among the more closely watched young spinners in the domestic game.[6]

The impact of her WPL performances has been particularly visible back home in Sidhi district, Madhya Pradesh. Gupta has spoken about how recognition in her hometown has increased significantly, with more people now aware of her career and family. She has noted that while her own day‑to‑day life at training centres remains grounded and relatively unchanged, she is keenly aware of the many youngsters in her region now trying to take up cricket more seriously. She has expressed a desire to see them reach higher levels of the game and views her own progress as an opportunity to inspire those players.[1][5]

Gupta’s emergence comes in the context of a high point for women’s cricket in India. The new WPL season follows India’s recent Women’s ODI World Cup triumph, a landmark achievement that has contributed to a surge in public interest and support for the women’s game. Gupta has observed firsthand how this success has altered perceptions around women’s cricket, with more attention, expectations and opportunities for players like her entering the professional system.[1]

Her growing visibility has also been reflected in digital trends. On Indian search and social platforms, her name has been trending as fans look up details about the young spinner signed by Mumbai Indians and track her role in the league. Trend trackers have highlighted her inclusion in MI’s WPL squads in consecutive seasons as a key reason for the spike in searches around her name.[4][2][1]

With Mumbai Indians entering WPL 2026 as defending champions, the franchise’s campaign will be under intense scrutiny, and Gupta’s performances are likely to be closely watched. Early match previews for MI’s clashes, including fixtures against strong opponents like Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, repeatedly mention her as part of the team’s bowling resources, underscoring expectations that she will play a role in the middle overs and contribute to MI’s balance as an off‑spin all‑rounder.[7][8][2]

As the season gets underway, Gupta’s immediate goals centre on consolidating her place in the MI side, delivering impactful spells with the ball and adding vital lower‑order runs when required. In multiple interviews, she has framed WPL 2026 as the next chapter of her career – an opportunity to validate the faith shown in her by Mumbai Indians, deepen her bond with teammates and continue inspiring young cricketers from lesser‑known cricketing regions who are now following her journey.[1][2][5]