Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews is a world-class all-rounder from Barbados whose dual-threat capabilities have made her a cornerstone of the Mumbai Indians' dominance. Born on March 19, 1998, the West Indies captain entered the 2025 season as the top-ranked T20I all-rounder in the world. Her 2025 WPL campaign was a masterclass in consistency; she finished as the league's third-highest run-scorer with 307 runs and shared the top spot on the bowling charts with 18 wickets, playing a pivotal role in Mumbai Indians securing their second title in March 2025. On the international stage, her 'golden year' continued as she became the first woman to score over 1,000 international runs and take 50 wickets in a single calendar year, a feat headlined by a magnificent unbeaten 104* against Bangladesh in mid-2025.

Recognizing her as an indispensable 'MVP,' the Mumbai Indians retained her for ₹1.75 crore ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier League mega auction. This retention underscores her status as one of the most reliable overseas assets in the league, having been a part of the franchise since the inaugural season. As the 'Purple Cap' winner from 2023 and a primary match-winner in 2025, Matthews provides the tactical flexibility that defines the 'One Family' ethos—opening the batting with aggression and delivering crucial off-spin breakthroughs in the powerplay. As she gears up for the 2026 season starting in January, Matthews remains the engine of the Mumbai lineup, looking to lead the charge for a historic third championship.