Women's Premier League Auction 2025: What Each Team Needs

The third edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction is just around the corner, with 120 players up for grabs to fill 19 available slots across teams. While four teams have four openings each, one team has three. Let’s dive into the specific requirements of each franchise as they prepare for the December 15 auction.

Delhi Capitals (DC)

Remaining slots: 4 (1 overseas) Budget: INR 2.5 crore

Retained players:

Jemimah Rodrigues, Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma, Radha Yadav, Shikha Pandey, Marizanne Kapp, Titas Sadhu, Alice Capsey, Minnu Mani, Taniya Bhatia, Jess Jonassen, Sneha Deepthi, Arundhati Reddy, Annabel Sutherland

Auction strategy:

Delhi will likely focus on securing a reliable backup wicketkeeper and a hard-hitting middle-order batter. Additionally, they may seek a fast bowler to complement Marizanne Kapp and Shikha Pandey. Lauren Bell or Kim Garth could be contenders, while the left-arm angle of Lauren Cheatle might also appeal. To fill the spin gap left by Poonam Yadav’s release, Alana King’s leg-spin is expected to be on their radar.

Gujarat Giants (GG)

Remaining slots: 4 (2 overseas) Budget: INR 4.4 crore   

Retained players:

Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Harleen Deol, Dayalan Hemalatha, Tanuja Kanwar, Shabnam Shakil, Laura Wolvaardt, Phoebe Litchfield, Meghna Singh, Mannat Kashyap, Kashvee Gautam, Priya Mishra, Sayali Satghare, Bharti Fulmali

Auction strategy:

After being the least economical bowling side in WPL 2024, GG is expected to prioritise strengthening their bowling attack. Darcie Brown, with her pace and new-ball skills, and Tess Flintoff, a seam-bowling all-rounder, are possible targets. These additions could address their death-bowling woes, which saw an economy rate of 11.11 last season. GG’s strategy is clear: rebuild their bowling unit to enhance competitiveness.

Mumbai Indians (MI)

Remaining slots: 4 (1 overseas) Budget: INR 2.65 crore

Retained players:

Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, Pooja Vastrakar, Yastika Bhatia, Amanjot Kaur, Saika Ishaque, Hayley Matthews, Chloe Tryon, Jintimani Kalita, Shabnim Ismail, Sajeevan Sajana, Amandeep Kaur, SB Keerthana

Auction strategy:

Mumbai needs a finisher to add depth to their lower-middle order, reducing dependence on their top-order. Replacing Issy Wong, they might consider Deandra Dottin or Nadine de Klerk, who both offer seam bowling and hitting power. With Yastika Bhatia’s injury history, they may also explore backup wicketkeeping options like Nandini Kashyap, a standout performer in India’s domestic T20 circuit.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

Remaining slots: 4 (no overseas) Budget: INR 3.25 crore

Retained players:

Smriti Mandhana, Sophie Devine, Ellyse Perry, Renuka Singh, Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil, Kanika Ahuja, Asha Sobhana, Georgia Wareham, Kate Cross, Ekta Bisht, S Meghana, Sophie Molineux Trade-in: Danni Wyatt (from UP Warriorz)

Auction strategy:

RCB needs another pace bowler to support Renuka Singh, given Ellyse Perry and Sophie Devine bowl sparingly for their national teams. Young talents like S Yashasri or Falak Naz, who were part of India’s Under-19 T20 World Cup-winning squad, could be options. Additionally, they might look for a middle-order batter, with Bengal’s Tanusree Sarkar or Maharashtra’s Tejal Hasabnis as potential picks.

UP Warriorz (UPW)

Remaining slots: 3 (1 overseas) Budget: INR 3.9 crore

Retained players:

Sophie Ecclestone, Deepti Sharma, Tahlia McGrath, Alyssa Healy, Anjali Sarvani, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Shweta Sehrawat, Kiran Navgire, Grace Harris, Vrinda Dinesh, Poonam Khemnar, Saima Thakor, Gouher Sultana, Chamari Athapaththu, Uma Chetry

Auction strategy:

UPW aims to reduce its dependency on overseas players by bringing in local batting talent. To lighten Deepti Sharma’s finishing responsibilities, they could pursue an impactful lower-order batter. Deandra Dottin or Chinelle Henry might be ideal fits. Alternatively, Ireland’s Orla Prendergast, who has shown promise as an all-rounder, could be a wildcard choice.

With the auction approaching, teams are gearing up to fill gaps and enhance their rosters for the upcoming season. The decisions made on December 15 could shape the fortunes of each franchise in WPL 2025.