Matthews a late absentee as Mumbai Indians begin WPL 2026 campaign
Two-time and defending champions Mumbai Indians Women kicked off their WPL 2026 title defence against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the DY Patil Stadium on 9 December 2026. The match built plenty of anticipation, but Mumbai were dealt a pre-game blow when all-rounder Hayley Matthews was left out of the playing XI.
Confirmed ill at the toss
Mumbai captain Harmanpreet Kaur confirmed at the toss that Matthews would not feature in the opener. MI lost the toss to RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana, who chose to bowl first.
“We’ve been practicing for the last 10 days, and everyone looks in good touch. We’ve got a well-balanced side, pretty similar to what we’ve had over the last three seasons, so we’re confident heading into the game. Hayley (Matthews) is unwell and not playing.”
Why Matthews’ absence matters
Matthews is a major presence in the Mumbai line-up with match-winning ability with both bat and ball. Her absence is notable not only because she is a top performer, but also because she has played limited cricket over the past year after shoulder surgery. Matthews missed both the WCPL and WBBL during her recovery, so game time and form are already topics of interest.
Short-term replacement
With Matthews unavailable, Mumbai handed a debut to Australian all-rounder Nicola Carey. Carey provides reinforcement and balance, but the team will miss Matthews’ proven ability to change games in all departments.
Remembering Matthews’ 2025 impact
Matthews was instrumental in Mumbai’s run during the 2025 WPL. She finished as joint-leading wicket-taker alongside Amelia Kerr, claiming 18 wickets and producing three three-wicket hauls. She also contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 307 runs in 10 innings at an average of 30.70, including three half-centuries.
Her consistent performances since the very first edition of the WPL helped Mumbai secure the inaugural title and earned her a retention worth INR 1.75 crore ahead of the 2026 auction.
What this means for Mumbai’s title defence
- Squad depth will be tested: The team’s ability to cover for Matthews will be crucial if she needs more rest or recovery time during the tournament.
- Player management matters: Managing workload and fitness for key internationals will be a recurring theme for franchises aiming for long campaigns.
- Opportunities for newcomers: Nicola Carey and other squad players now have a chance to stake a claim and earn a longer run in the side.
Looking ahead
Mumbai Indians will be closely monitoring Matthews’ condition in the coming days. If she recovers quickly, her return would boost an already strong side chasing a third WPL title. If not, Mumbai’s depth and how they rotate resources will play a big role in their campaign.
For now, the focus shifts to on-field performances and how the replacements respond under pressure as the WPL season unfolds.