All-rounder Poonam Khemnar switches to the Mumbai Indians team for the WPL 2026 season ahead. She previously wore jerseys of UP Warriorz and Royal Challengers Bangalore in past seasons. MI bought her for ₹10 Lakh at her base price during auctions.
Poonam Khemnar Joins Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians signed Poonam Khemnar as an uncapped all-rounder for ₹10 Lakh only. MI picked her knowing she brings experience playing for two franchises. UP Warriorz and RCB gave her chances before, but she moves on now.
MI sees value in players who understand how the WPL team environment works. She bowls right-arm leg-spin which adds variety to their bowling attack options.
She bats right-handed too making her useful in multiple match situations throughout games. The franchise believes fresh surroundings might help her perform better than before.
This change gives her another shot at proving herself at the league level.
WPL Price and Career Achievements
Poonam Khemnar’s salary of ₹10 Lakh fits perfectly for an uncapped player profile. She made history by becoming the first player to score a century for Nagaland. That record-breaking innings happened during BCCI-organised domestic competitions which everyone noticed back then.
She played university cricket for Pune University winning a silver medal in tournaments. The West Zone competition saw her shine brightly among other talented players there.
All India Inter-University Tournament featured her during the 2017-18 season as well. The WPL team knows about her domestic achievements spanning multiple years of cricket.
Her leg-spin bowling creates doubt in batters’ minds who find it tough to read.
Leadership Experience and Skills
Poonam Khemnar captained the HP Supernova across different formats of cricket. That leadership experience makes her valuable beyond just batting and bowling contributions alone.
Franchises always want players who can guide younger cricketers during the pressure situations they face.
Mumbai Indians got someone who understands a winning mentality after playing for franchises already. The 2026 season offers Poonam opportunities to show what she learned from past experiences.
Her all-round skills mean the WPL team can use her flexibly in playing combinations. MI made a low-risk signing hoping she finds consistency finally with their coaching staff.
