UP Warriorz Prepares for WPL 2027 Auction with Strong Retained Squad

As the WPL 2027 auction approaches, UP Warriorz is set to build on a solid foundation with 11 retained players, including international stars and promising young talent. Head Coach Abhishek Nayar emphasizes the importance of selecting players who fit specific roles rather than just high-profile names. The team aims to enhance its depth and maintain a focus on nurturing Indian talent. With a clear strategy in place, the Warriorz are preparing for a competitive season ahead. Discover more about their plans and retained squad in the full article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 27, 2026, 23:49 IST

UP Warriorz Set for WPL 2027 Auction

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 27: As the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction approaches in Kochi on October 28, the UP Warriorz are entering the player selection phase with a solid foundation and a clear strategy for filling the remaining squad positions, as stated in a recent press release.

The Warriorz have successfully retained 11 players, combining international expertise, experienced Indian athletes, and emerging young talent. The overseas contingent includes former Australia captain Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield, England's Sophie Ecclestone, and USA's Tara Norris. Meanwhile, the Indian core is led by Deepti Sharma, alongside Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal, and Shikha Pandey.

Additionally, young Indian talents Kranti Gaud, Shipra Giri, and Simran Shaikh have also been retained.

With this strong base established, the focus now shifts to filling the seven available slots, including two designated for overseas players. For the Warriorz, the auction is not merely about acquiring high-profile names but rather about selecting individuals who can fulfill specific roles within the team's framework and enhance depth throughout the lengthy tournament.

Head Coach Abhishek Nayar, who took the helm before the 2026 season, expressed confidence in the retained players, stating, “We have a robust group, and the players are familiar with our environment and objectives. Our aim at the auction is not just to add names but to find players who complement our existing roster, providing us with options in both batting and bowling, and who can adapt to various match situations. Achieving balance and flexibility is crucial for us.”

Nayar further emphasized the team's commitment to nurturing Indian talent, noting, “There are players in the auction pool eager to develop and meet the challenges at this level. Identifying the right individuals and providing them with the right opportunities will benefit both the team and their growth.”

Kshemal Waingankar, COO & Director of Cricket at Capri Sports, reiterated that the franchise's strategy for the auction aligns with their retention philosophy. “We approached the retentions with a clear vision for the team we want to build, and the auction is an extension of that. Our core provides quality and experience, and now we need to add the right components around it. We will remain disciplined and adhere to our plan, avoiding decisions that do not align with our squad. Our goal is to create a consistently performing team and foster an environment where Indian talent can thrive at the highest level,” Waingankar stated.

As the WPL 2027 auction approaches, the Warriorz aim to finalize a well-rounded squad that complements their established core, gearing up for another competitive season.

Retained squad for UP Warriorz in WPL 2027 includes:

Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Ecclestone, Deepti Sharma, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Shipra Giri, Shikha Pandey, Kranti Gaud, Simran Shaikh, Tara Norris.