Harmanpreet Kaur credits this key factor for building her winning mentality

Mumbai Indians' captain Harmanpreet Kaur credits the Women’s Premier League (WPL) with fundamentally transforming her leadership style, particularly through her experience with the Mumbai Indians. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, January 7, the India captain highlighted how the tournament’s high-stakes environment—where every match carries significant weight, naturally fosters a winning mindset. She noted that the culture of excellence within the Mumbai Indians franchise has significantly influenced her approach, both as a player and a captain.

Harmanpreet Kaur shares her biggest mental shift

The veteran cricketer also emphasized her deep connection with Mumbai, describing it as a city that consistently brings out her best on the field. She credited the franchise’s "family atmosphere" and the unwavering support from management for allowing players to compete without fear. This sense of stability and clarity, she believes, is essential for maintaining a strong core and achieving success in high-pressure tournaments.

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Having recently led India to a historic ODI World Cup title in late 2025, Harmanpreet is now focused on carrying those lessons into the 2026 season. She pointed out that the WPL prepares leaders to handle pressure and make rapid decisions, skills that are directly transferable to the international stage. As Mumbai Indians prepare to open the new season against RCB on January 9, Kaur remains confident that the league’s rising competitive standards will continue to benefit the national team’s performance.

“The WPL has given us a different kind of exposure. When you play in an environment where every game matters and every team is competitive, it automatically builds a winning mindset. Mumbai Indians, in particular, have always focused on excellence, and that rubs off on you as a player and as a leader,” Harmanpreet said during a press conference.

Harmanpreet has often highlighted her deep personal and professional ties to Mumbai, viewing the city as a cornerstone of her success. She famously noted that Mumbai is where she landed her first job and scored her first international century, creating a long-standing "love story" with the city that has only strengthened since she began leading the Mumbai Indians.

Mumbai feels special to me: Harmanpreet Kaur

For the Indian captain, the city’s vibrant energy and the 'Mumbai Spirit' have consistently translated into positive results on the field. She has expressed that playing in front of the local 'Paltan' provides a unique comfort level that allows her to express herself freely. This sense of belonging, combined with the professional stability she found early in her career within the city, continues to make Mumbai a special venue for her as she heads into the 2026 season.

“Mumbai feels special to me. The energy of the city and the support you get here makes a big difference. It’s a place where I’ve always felt comfortable, and that helps you express yourself freely on the field,” she added.

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For Harmanpreet, the internal culture of the Mumbai Indians is just as vital to their success as individual on-field performances. She believes that fostering a "family atmosphere" is the secret ingredient that allows her players to thrive under the intense scrutiny of the WPL. By creating a space where the management and coaching staff provide unwavering backing, she ensures that her team can compete with a sense of freedom rather than a fear of failure.
This culture of trust and mutual support is particularly crucial during the high-stakes moments that define a short, competitive tournament. Harmanpreet notes that when a squad is mentally aligned and everyone understands their specific role, the pressure of a big match becomes much easier to manage. For the defending champions, maintaining this "winning mindset" and emotional stability is the primary goal as they look to secure their third title in 2026.

For the 36-year-old veteran batter, the internal culture of the Mumbai Indians is just as vital to their success as individual on-field performances. She believes that fostering a 'family atmosphere' is the secret ingredient that allows her players to thrive under the intense scrutiny of the WPL. By creating a space where the management and coaching staff provide unwavering backing, she ensures that her team can compete with a sense of freedom rather than a fear of failure.

'What stands out for me is the family atmosphere'

This culture of trust and mutual support is particularly crucial during the high-stakes moments that define a short, competitive tournament. Harmanpreet notes that when a squad is mentally aligned and everyone understands their specific role, the pressure of a big match becomes much easier to manage. For the defending champions, maintaining this "winning mindset" and emotional stability is the primary goal as they look to secure their third title in 2026.

“What stands out for me is the family atmosphere. When players feel supported by the management and coaching staff, they play without fear. That trust and backing is crucial, especially in high-pressure tournaments like the WPL,” Harmanpreet concluded.