Many times, a tournament is won off the field, at the auction table. Create not just a team, but an institution. With the WPL auctions scheduled in a couple of months’ time, let’s have a look at how will the teams view this one differently.
As far as WPL is concerned, DC, RCB and MI have been consistent across all the four seasons while UPW and GG are yet to cross the basic hurdle. The reason for that is not getting the right core. The issue could have come due to anything – poor buys at the auction table, poor strategy, lack of player availability, lack of funds, anything. Can those be addressed this time around?
One of the biggest positive news coming in for Royal Challengers Bengaluru is the confirmation of Ellyse Perry’s availability for the entire season. Arguably the Greatest Player Of All Time in the Women’s era, Perry has not been herself for the last two years, being constantly in and out of the Aussie team itself, primarily due to injuries. She missed the entire 2026 WPL due to personal reasons.
However, the defending champions have made some changes. Despite being gung-ho over the opening combination of Grace Harris and Smriti Mandhana, they have decided to let go of the Aussie. They will retain 13 players in their squad – 4 overseas, with an amount of 1.15 CR INR remaining in the purse to fill 5 vacant slots.
Delhi Capitals have had the bittersweet conundrum of being the only team to have featured in the final of every WPL edition so far – but failed to win even a single one. They have decided to let go of Alana King, Lizelle Lee and Sneh Rana among the big names - which means, they have 5 slots vacant. Their purse balance is 1.1 CR INR.
Next, the financial capital of India, also the only WPL champions apart from RCB - Mumbai Indians, have decided to let go of 6 players, with Saika Ishaque probably being the most notable exclusion, having been a part of the franchise for all the previous years. That leaves them with a vacancy of 7 slots, but the purse balance is just 1 CR INR.
A bottom-placed finish in season 4 means that UPW have made wholesome changes – releasing as many as 9 players. That includes some big names like Deandra Dottin, Chloe Tryon and Amy Jones. Their frustration is understandable, but many times, an overhaul is not the right solution to a poor finish previous season. They have a purse balance of 3.65 CR INR, the biggest of all franchises and 7 slots to fill.
Finally, team 5 – Gujarat Giants – the biggest name they have released is Danni Wyatt-Hodge. Wyatt-Hodge did not quite get a chance to show her mettle last season, featuring in just one game, due to the settled opening pair of Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine. So, this might be a case of mutual understanding. They have only 3 slots vacant, with a purse balance of 1.25 CR INR.
Historically, only MI and RCB have been able to either ace the WPL auctions or get the best of their available squad. Can season 5 be the one that changes things? What’s your opinion? Do comment below.
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