Mumbai Indians have put themselves in a tough spot this season. What started as a strong title defense has slowly turned into a fight for survival. After losing four of their last five matches, MI no longer control their own future in WPL 2026.
The latest loss against Gujarat Giants summed up their problems. Harmanpreet Kaur played a brave innings and stayed unbeaten on 82, but even that was not enough. MI were in winning positions more than once, yet they let the game slip away. The same issues have followed them all season. The top order has failed too often, the middle order has faced heavy pressure, and the team has depended too much on single players instead of calm teamwork.
Fielding mistakes and missed chances have also hurt MI. Drops in key moments and slow movement in the deep have cost them valuable runs. For a team that once looked untouchable in the league, the idea of missing the playoffs now feels very real.
What MI Needs to Reach the WPL 2026 Playoffs
Mumbai Indians have finished all their league matches. Their fate now depends fully on the last game between Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz.
Here is how things can go for MI:
- If Delhi Capitals beat UP Warriorz, MI will be knocked out.
- If UP Warriorz beat Delhi Capitals by a normal or small margin, all three teams will finish on six points. In this case, MI should go through because of their better net run rate.
- If UP Warriorz beat Delhi Capitals by a huge margin, enough to pass MI’s net run rate, then MI will be eliminated.
For UP Warriorz, the task is almost impossible. They would need a win by a massive margin, something that is rarely seen in women’s franchise cricket. As long as UPW win without creating a record-breaking result, MI’s net run rate should keep them in the playoff race.
Current WPL 2026 Points Table
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Points | NRR |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Q) | 8 | 6 | 2 | 12 | +1.247 |
| Gujarat Giants (Q) | 8 | 5 | 3 | 10 | -0.168 |
| Mumbai Indians | 8 | 3 | 5 | 6 | +0.059 |
| Delhi Capitals | 7 | 3 | 4 | 6 | -0.164 |
| UP Warriorz | 7 | 2 | 5 | 4 | -1.146 |
A Waiting Game for MI
Now, all MI can do is watch. The team that once dictated results must sit back and hope the numbers stay on their side. If they do make it through, it will be a second chance they did not earn the easy way. And if they fall short, this season will be remembered as one where small mistakes and lost moments made the biggest difference.
Also Read: EXPALINED: Why Manpreet Singh Was Omitted From Hockey India Core Group Probables
