Harmanpreet Kaur and the making of a winning mindset at Mumbai Indians

Harmanpreet Kaur is the only woman to have captained the Indian cricket team to a World Cup victory, yet her path was marked by setbacks at crucial moments. Since taking over as captain of Mumbai Indians in the Women's Premier League, much has changed for her. The tournament has been instrumental in helping Indian players win micro battles in tense situations.

As captain of the two-time WPL-winning team, Harmanpreet has set a new goal: to leave behind a legacy of a 'winning mindset'.

"Wherever I go, I want people to think only about how we can win. Participation—we have been doing for so many years—doesn't change anything," Harmanpreet said. "But if you go with a winning mindset and work towards that, it can bring a lot to you and your country."

In the WPL, as skipper of Mumbai Indians, she defeated a dominant side led by Meg Lanning in a final—a counterpart she had failed to outdo on several occasions in the past while representing India.

Harmanpreet acknowledged the role of the WPL in shaping this change. "WPL has made a lot of changes in me, especially in thinking," she admitted. "Before, there were limitations. MI have been winning IPL titles for years. When I joined MI and sat with them, they were always thinking about how to beat any team and win the title. Their thought process changed me. Wherever I went, I thought about changing the mindset. We can only think about what we can win. That has reflected in the last few years."

After winning the title twice in three years, Mumbai Indians have parted ways with head coach Charlotte Edwards and brought in Lisa Keightley. The mega auctions posed challenges for squad building, but the defending champions largely succeeded in retaining their core.

Even in losses, talented youngsters are waiting in the wings. Keightley, who previously worked with Delhi Capitals, is familiar with the tournament and its growing competitiveness.

"The WPL is getting very competitive, and it's harder to pick your team at auction because you have many more players to choose from," Keightley said. "Domestic players are improving, and Indian internationals are getting fantastic competition, which prepares them for World Cups and pressure situations. If you experience that domestically, it enhances your performance internationally. You saw the result with India winning the 50-over World Cup under pressure in the semi-final.

"That's the result of the WPL over the last three years, and you see the rewards in international competitions. In another three years, it will be very scary watching India play in World Cups.

"When I work with domestic Indian players, it means so much to them. I don't have to say much—you can tell by their work ethic, how they listen, communicate, and want to work with internationals. It's refreshing and beautiful to see.

"The way they compete in nets… just the other day, Amelia's first training session… Triveni, our left-arm spinner, came in, hit her pad, and was like 'out, out, out!' We don't get that in Australia; here, the bowler walks back. It's very competitive and cute. In practice matches, the intensity is lovely to see. At home, players might roll through, but here they love the competition.

"I love seeing that. They are so happy to be selected, to have this opportunity. For some, it changes their lives, opening doors. If we can facilitate that—help them fulfill their dreams, whether playing for Mumbai, winning a tournament, or playing for India—that's how I see it. We guide them to ensure this experience with Mumbai is unforgettable, so they leave thinking, 'I can't wait to come back next year.'"