Why Nat Sciver-Brunt And Anushka Sharma Are Not Playing MI-GG WPL 2026 Match?

Legendary English all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt, who is the highest run-getter in Women’s Premier League (WPL) history, is not playing Tuesday’s (January 13) WPL 2026 match between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants in Navi Mumbai. According to Mumbai Indians skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who won the toss and opted to field first in match No. 6 of WPL 2026, Nat (Sciver-Brunt) is not well, which is why she is not playing against the Gujarat Giants.

In her place, legendary West Indies all-rounder Hayley Matthews is playing for MI, and the right-handed batter will open the innings along with wicketkeeper-batter G Kamilini.

Matthews, who was one of the five players retained by Mumbai Indians ahead of the WPL 2026 mega auction last year, missed the first

two matches due to fitness-related issues.

“Hayley’s back; she’s fit. Unfortunately, Nat (Sciver-Brunt) is not well today, so in place of her, Hayley’s back,” Harman said during the toss when asked about changes in MI’s playing XI.

“She (Hayley) is someone who always does well with both bat and ball, and we’re really looking to have her come in and take responsibility for the team,” Harman added.

Gujarat Giants have also made one forced change to their playing XI. In place of Anushka Sharma, Ayushi Soni is playing for them against the Mumbai Indians.

According to GG skipper Ashleigh Gardner, Anushka is not playing due to an injury.

“Anushka is unfortunately out with an injury, and Ayushi makes her debut today,” Gardner said during the toss.

GG also took to X to share an official update about Anushka post the toss and stated that the right-handed batter will be out of action for a short period.

“OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. After an unfortunate injury against Delhi Capitals, Anushka will be out of action for a short period. Wishing our Star Girl, a speedy and strong recovery,” GG captioned the photo tweet.

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨

After an unfortunate injury against Delhi Capitals, Anushka will be out of action for a short period. 😔

Wishing our Star Girl, a speedy and strong recovery. ❤️‍🩹 #GujaratGiants #BringItOn #Adani #GameOnGujaratStrong #TATAWPL #MIWvGGW pic.twitter.com/HyamnrKYNb

— Gujarat Giants (@Giant_Cricket) January 13, 2026

Anushka’s absence is a big setback for the Ashleigh Gardner-led side. The 22-year-old cricketer from Madhya Pradesh batted at No. 3 for GG in their first WPL 2026 match against UP Warriorz on Saturday (January 10) and scored 44 runs from 30 balls with the help of seven fours. In GG’s last match against Delhi Capitals, she scored 13 runs from 10 balls as a No. 5 batter and slammed 1 four and 1 six.

Playing XIs

Mumbai Indians: Hayley Matthews, G Kamalini (WK), Amelia Kerr, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Amanjot Kaur, Nicola Carey, Sanskriti Gupta, Poonam Khemnar, Sajeevan Sajana, Shabnim Ismail, Triveni Vasistha

Gujarat Giants: Beth Mooney (WK), Sophie Devine, Ashleigh Gardner (C), Bharti Fulmali, Georgia Wareham, Ayushi Soni, Kanika Ahuja, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh Thakur