Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have made several bold roster changes as the 2027 Women’s Premier League (WPL) looms. Grace Harris, Linsey Smith, D Hemalatha, and Gautami Nayak have all been released. Notably, Ellyse Perry, who missed the 2026 season due to personal reasons, is set to return this year. “Perry indicated sometime in August that she would be more than happy to come back and play for RCB,” remarked RCB head coach Malolan Rangarajan. “Her return will strengthen the team significantly, and it made us reconsider our squad balance moving into the auction.”
RCB has chosen to retain the majority of their squad, counting 13 players, comprising nine Indian and four overseas talents.
Facing a different scenario, Delhi Capitals (DC) have let go of notable players like Alana King and Lizelle Lee among others. Meanwhile, UP Warriorz (UPW), who found themselves at the bottom last season, released nine players, including international names like Deandra Dottin and Chloe Tryon, leaving them with a significant purse for the auction.
Regarding Dottin’s release, UPW head coach Abhishek Nayar said, “Her performance hasn’t been up to the mark in the past year, particularly with the bat. We needed someone who could maintain a high strike rate and shift the momentum during matches.”
Gujarat Giants (GG) released Danni Wyatt-Hodge, preferring to explore other international talents in the auction. Head coach Michael Klinger explained, “Danni is also committed to some English series during the WPL, and we felt it was better to seek another overseas player.”
Turning to the Mumbai Indians (MI), they have released players including Saika Ishaque and retained seven slots open for the auction, albeit with the smallest budget of INR 1 crore.
The fifth edition of the WPL is scheduled to run from January 14th to February 7th, with a mini-auction in Kochi on October 28th. Teams have restrictions on squad sizes, permitting a maximum of 18 players with up to six from abroad. There are 27 slots to be filled during the auction, with seven available for overseas players.
Delhi Capitals:
– Players released: Alana King, Lizelle Lee, etc.
– Retained: Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, etc.
– Slots available: 5 (1 overseas)
– Purse: INR 1.10 crore
Gujarat Giants:
– Players released: Danni Wyatt-Hodge, etc.
– Retained: Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, etc.
– Slots available: 3 (1 overseas)
– Purse: INR 1.25 crore
Mumbai Indians:
– Released Players: Milly Illingworth, etc.
– Retained: Melie Kerr, Hayley Matthews, etc.
– Slots available: 7 (1 overseas)
– Purse: INR 1 crore
Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
– Players released: Grace Harris, etc.
– Retained: Ellyse Perry, Smriti Mandhana, etc.
– Slots available: 5 (2 overseas)
– Purse: INR 1.15 crore
UP Warriorz:
– Players released: Amy Jones, Deandra Dottin, etc.
– Retained: Meg Lanning, Sophie Ecclestone, etc.
– Slots available: 7 (2 overseas)
– Purse: INR 3.65 crore
The upcoming auction promises to be a strategic battle as teams look to solidify their line-ups for the approaching WPL season.
