WPL 2027 auction: Sophie Molineux leads UP Warriorz rebuild as Kiran Navgire joins Delhi Capitals

A bidding battle for an Australian all-rounder, a fresh start for promising Indian talent and some unexpected omissions made the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 mini-auction an event of contrasting fortunes. UP Warriorz emerged among the most active teams in Kochi on Wednesday, securing Sophie Molineux for ₹1.10 crore and bringing back Grace Harris, while Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants made targeted additions to their squads.

The auction was designed to fill 27 vacancies across the five franchises ahead of the fifth WPL season, scheduled from January 14 to February 7, 2027. Although the original shortlist featured 146 players, The Times of India reported that four late additions took the pool to 150.

Why did UP Warriorz spend ₹1.10 crore on Sophie Molineux?

Molineux was one of the auction’s headline names, and UP Warriorz had to fend off Royal Challengers Bengaluru to sign the Australian all-rounder. The bidding climbed rapidly before UPW made the decisive offer of ₹1.10 crore.

Molineux was part of RCB’s title-winning campaign in 2024, making the contest with her former franchise an intriguing subplot. UP Warriorz also secured Grace Harris for ₹30 lakh. Harris had represented the franchise from 2023 to 2025 before joining RCB for its 2026 title-winning season.

India all-rounder Sneh Rana joined UP Warriorz at her base price of ₹30 lakh, while wicketkeeper-batter Sushma Verma was also signed for ₹30 lakh. Together, the acquisitions give the franchise options across several roles as it prepares for the new season.

How did Kiran Navgire and G Kamalini fare at the auction?

Delhi Capitals paid ₹75 lakh for Kiran Navgire after a contest with Mumbai Indians pushed the price above her ₹40-lakh base price. Navgire, previously associated with UP Warriorz, becomes a new option for Delhi’s batting line-up.

Gujarat Giants, meanwhile, picked up young wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini for ₹40 lakh without a rival bid. Kamalini has produced strong performances for India A and Tamil Nadu, although her WPL returns have been more modest. The move gives her an opportunity to establish herself with a new franchise after leaving Mumbai Indians.

Gujarat also signed Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast for ₹30 lakh. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball offers the team another option in its overseas combination.

Which big names went unsold in the WPL 2027 auction?

Not every player found a buyer. England batter Sophia Dunkley, who previously played for Gujarat Giants, went unsold at her ₹50-lakh base price. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu also failed to attract a bid.

Among Indian players, wicketkeepers Uma Chetry, Taniya Bhatia and Nuzhat Parween went unsold, while young India batter Raghvi Bist and middle-order batter Tejal Hasabnis also missed out. Overseas fast bowlers Tayla Vlaeminck and Rosemary Mair were among those overlooked.

What do the WPL auction results mean for 2027?

With limited vacancies and budgets, franchises had to prioritise specific squad needs rather than overhaul their teams. UP Warriorz invested in all-round depth, while Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants focused on targeted additions.

The real test begins in January, when those auction decisions must translate into performances. For players who went unsold, meanwhile, the result is a setback, but not necessarily the end of their opportunities in professional cricket.

(With inputs from ANI)