Gujarat Giants Retain Core for WPL 2027, Eye Key Auction Picks in Kochi

The Gujarat Giants have made their strategic moves for the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027 season, choosing to retain a league-high 15 players while releasing four, including England's Danni Wyatt-Hodge. With a purse of INR 1.3 Crore and four slots remaining, including one overseas spot, the franchise is now gearing up for the WPL 2027 Auction on October 28 in Kochi, aiming to build on their strong WPL 2026 campaign that saw them reach the Eliminator. This decision marks a clear intent from the Giants to maintain continuity, entrusting their core group, which features international stars like Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, and Sophie Devine, alongside prominent Indian talents such as Renuka Singh and Yastika Bhatia. Across the league, all five WPL teams have finalized their retentions ahead of the October auction, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirming the WPL 2027 season will run from January 14 to February 7. This stability, particularly for the Giants, sets the stage for a targeted approach in the upcoming bidding war, unlike some rivals who have opted for more significant overhauls. Attention now shifts to the high-stakes auction in Kochi, where the Gujarat Giants will strategically utilize their remaining purse and slots. Their focus will likely be on filling specific gaps and adding depth to an already robust squad, especially after reaching the playoff stages in the previous season. The decisions made on October 28 will be crucial in shaping their pursuit of the WPL 2027 title, as teams look to finalize their combinations for what promises to be another thrilling season of women's franchise cricket.