Saika Ishaque

Saika Ishaque is a crafty left-arm orthodox spinner from Kolkata whose meteoric rise from the local lanes of Bengal to the Indian national team is a testament to her grit and skill. Born on October 8, 1995, she grew up in a humble household where her late father was her biggest inspiration. Her career exploded in 2023 when she finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in the inaugural WPL, claiming 15 wickets and playing a defining role in the Mumbai Indians' title victory. Her 2025 season was a celebration of consistency and 'big-game' temperament; she was a core part of the Mumbai Indians squad that secured their back-to-back WPL championship, notably featuring in the high-stakes final against the Delhi Capitals in March 2025. By late 2025, she had firmly established herself in the Indian setup, having debuted across both white-ball formats and being named in the Test squad.

During the 2026 Women’s Premier League mega auction in late 2025, Saika's status as a local 'trump card' saw her return to her beloved franchise. Despite heavy interest from other teams, the Mumbai Indians re-secured her for ₹30 lakh, ensuring that the heart of their spin attack remains intact. Known for her tight economy and the ability to strike in the powerplay, Saika enters the 2026 season as one of the most reliable domestic bowlers in the league. As she prepares to take the field in January 2026, she carries the legacy of her 25 WPL wickets and the pride of Bengal, continuing to be a vital weapon for Harmanpreet Kaur’s 'One Family' in their pursuit of a third consecutive title.