![Vaishnavi Sharma joins MI for WPL 2026 [Source: @RevSportzGlobal/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768902431458_VaishnaviSharmareplacesKamaliniinWPL2026.jpg?type=hq)
Vaishnavi Sharma joins MI for WPL 2026 [Source: @RevSportzGlobal/X]
In a significant development, Mumbai Indians cricketer Gunalan Kamalini has been ruled out of the WPL 2026. The young wicketkeeper-batter will miss the remainder of the tournament due to an injury. Mumbai Indians have drafted in left-arm spin sensation Vaishnavi Sharma as her replacement at a price of INR 30 lakh for the remainder of the WPL 2026.
Vaishnavi Sharma joins MI as G. Kamalini's WPL 2026 replacement
Left-handed batter Gunalan Kamalini had a terrific start to the ongoing WPL season, amassing 32 runs in MI's tournament opener against RCB Women. Although she showcased glimpses of her batting brilliance in the match, Kamalini failed to live up to the hype in the subsequent games, managing only 43 runs in her next four outings.
The 17-year-old cricketer eventually sustained an injury setback that ruled her out of the WPL 2026 season. She had joined MI at a price of INR 50 lakh in the WPL mega auction last year. With Kamalini getting injured, the defending WPL champions have roped in left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma as her replacement for their remaining matches.
20-year-old spinner Vaishnavi Sharma recently made her international debut for India in the T20I series against Sri Lanka. She was impressive for the Women in Blue, scalping five wickets in as many matches at a superb economy of 6.26.
Renowned for her accuracy, Vaishnavi Sharma can bamboozle the batters with her guile and variations in the middle overs. Her inclusion has further strengthened MI's spin-bowling unit, which already comprises the likes of Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr, and Saika Ishaque.
Why did MI replace G. Kamalini with Vaishnavi Sharma?
Considering G. Kamalini is a wicketkeeper-batter, anyone would think MI should've brought a like-for-like replacement for her in the WPL 2026. However, in a surprising move, the defending WPL champions roped in Vaishnavi Sharma, who is a spin bowler.
Given that MI have a reserve wicket-keeper in Rahila Firdous, their move to sign another spinner is aimed at boosting their bowling department. Although Amelia Kerr has enjoyed stellar success, scalping ten wickets in five matches, the other MI spinners haven't had a great season so far.
Matthews has struggled with injuries, while Saika Ishaque hasn't been a regular face in MI's playing XI. So, given that MI still have the in-form Harmanpreet Kaur to spearhead their batting unit alongside the all-rounders' quartet of Amelia Kerr, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Nicola Carey, and Amanjot Kaur, the signing of another specialist spinner has added depth and quality to their bowling department.
MI's WPL 2026 campaign in a nutshell
Talking about Mumbai Indians' WPL 2026 journey, the Women in Blue and Gold claim the second place, having won two of their first five matches. While they defeated Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants, MI were convincingly outclassed by RCB and UP Warriorz.
With G. Kamalini getting sidelined, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will likely tweak its lineup a bit for their upcoming fixture against Delhi Capitals. RCB have already qualified for the playoffs, and MI would be keen to join their rivals by rediscovering the winning ways.
