Delhi Capitals Bolster Squad for WPL 2027 with Key Acquisitions
Delhi Capitals Strengthen WPL 2027 Roster
The Delhi Capitals have enhanced their lineup for the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 season by acquiring four new players during the auction held in Kochi on Wednesday. Retaining a solid core of 13 players, the franchise welcomed Indian batter Kiran Navgire, promising 15-year-old all-rounder Uma Kashvi, Indian all-rounder Nazma Khan, and Scotland spinner Kirstie Gordon, rounding out their squad to 17 members. The team invested Rs 1.05 crore at the auction, bringing their total expenditure to Rs 14.95 crore, which includes Rs 13.9 crore allocated for player retentions. Navgire was the standout signing at Rs 75 lakh, while Kashvi, Khan, and Gordon were each acquired for Rs 10 lakh.
Coaching Insights and Strategic Vision
After the auction, Head Coach Jonathan Batty expressed his contentment with the new signings, emphasizing the added strength in the batting lineup and the depth of the squad. "Kiran was a key target for us. She is arguably the most dynamic and powerful batter available. With Shafali leading the order and additional firepower from players like Chinelle Henry, Kiran adds another layer to our batting strategy. This could make our lineup exceptionally formidable," Batty stated in a press release.
Nurturing Young Talent
Among the most thrilling additions is Uma Kashvi, the 15-year-old all-rounder from Karnataka, who made history as the youngest player sold in WPL auction history. As a right-arm spin-bowling all-rounder, Kashvi has already represented India Under-19 in a series against Sri Lanka Under-19, gaining early international experience. Batty praised the franchise’s scouting efforts for identifying Kashvi’s potential, viewing her signing as a long-term investment. "She has been on our radar for some time. Our scouts have closely monitored her performances and provided excellent feedback. I believe she has the potential to become a superstar in the future," he remarked.
Squad Composition and Future Prospects
The Delhi Capitals retained a strong core ahead of the auction, including captain Jemimah Rodrigues, explosive opener Shafali Verma, seasoned all-rounders Marizanne Kapp and Annabel Sutherland, and South African batter Laura Wolvaardt. This retained group also features Chinelle Henry, N. Shree Charani, and several promising Indian talents, providing a robust foundation for the coaching staff. Batty noted that the new additions have further solidified both the starting eleven and the bench strength. "We had a strong group of 13 players before the auction, and I believe we have enhanced it further. This gives me some selection challenges as a coach, which is a positive situation to be in," he added.
Complete Squad for WPL 2027
Retained players: Jemimah Rodrigues – Rs 2.20 crore, Shafali Verma – Rs 2.20 crore, Marizanne Kapp – Rs 2.20 crore, Annabel Sutherland – Rs 2.20 crore, Chinelle Henry – Rs 1.30 crore, N. Shree Charani – Rs 1.30 crore, Laura Wolvaardt – Rs 1.10 crore, Niki Prasad – Rs 50 lakh, Minnu Mani – Rs 40 lakh, Nandani Sharma – Rs 20 lakh, Deeya Yadav – Rs 10 lakh, Mamatha Madiwala – Rs 10 lakh, Lucy Hamilton – Rs 10 lakh.
Players acquired at the WPL 2027 auction: Kiran Navgire – Rs 75 lakh, Uma Kashvi – Rs 10 lakh, Nazma Khan – Rs 10 lakh, Kirstie Gordon – Rs 10 lakh.