THE INAUGURAL Women’s Premier League (WPL) kicks off on the weekend, the women’s equivalent of the Indian Premier League (IPL) which is set to revolutionise the women’s game in much the same way.

In the lead up to the tournament, Rookie Me Central will take a deep dive into each of the team’s individually and take a look at who is a part of their respective inaugural sides.

The focus of today’s preview is the Mumbai Indians.

Looking at the inaugural list the Indians have put together, one thing that stands out is the power in their batters.

Set to be coached by legendary English batter Charlotte Edwards, there is some serious fire power in the Indians’ line up.

Also, unlike some of her fellow coaches in the tournament, Edwards did not target many English players, with only two making the final team.

The headline name of arguably the entire side is star allrounder Natalie Sciver-Brunt, who is consistently one of England’s best at international level and will be crucial to helping ensure the Indians get off to a good start with both bat and ball.

The other Englishwoman coming to Mumbai is Issy Wong, who has not had too many opportunities recently at international level but Edwards has placed her faith in Wong to deliver with ball in hand.

Four other international stars will also be coming to Mumbai, and their experience and talent will be crucial.

Kiwi Amelia Kerr has saved her side on a number of occasions in the past few years, but Edwards and the rest of the Indians will certainly be hoping she does not need to do that and can bat freely.

West Indian Hayley Matthews is an absolute star with bat and ball in hand, but is often the barometer of her national’s side success in a match, so will be hoping to come to Mumbai and not have that kind of pressure hovering over her shoulders.

South African Chloe Tryon is not the biggest name on this list, but an be pretty handy with particularly bat in hand, so will be one to watch out for.

The last fly-in is Aussie Heather Graham, who is only just starting to break into the all-conquering Australian national side but has proven domestically her talents with particularly the ball in hand.

The Mumbaikars have also picked up a few big name locals to join their inaugural side.

Opening batting star Harmanpreet Kaur, middle order batter Yastika Bhatia and star bowler Pooja Vastrakar will all be donning the blue of Mumbai for the inaugural WPL.

Mumbai Indians 2023 Squad

Natalie Sciver-Brunt (ENG), Amelia Kerr (NZ), Hayley Matthews (WI), Chloe Tryon (SA), Heather Graham (AUS), Isabelle Wong (ENG), Pooja Vastrakar, Harmanpreet Kaur, Yastika Bhatia, Amanjot Kaur, Priyanka Bala, Dhara Gujjar, Humairaa Kaazi, Jintimani Kalita, Neelam Bisht, Saika Ishaque, Sonam Yadav

Mumbai Indians 2023 Fixture (All times AEDT)

March 5, 1am – Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians
March 7, 1am – Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
March 10, 1am – Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians
March 13, 1am – UP Warriorz vs Mumbai Indians
March 15, 1am – Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants
March 18, 9pm – Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz
March 21, 1am – Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals
March 21, 9pm – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians