Gujarat Giants Build Strong Squad for WPL 2026 with Strategic Auction Picks
Excitement for WPL 2026
Michael Klinger, the Head Coach of Gujarat Giants, shared his excitement about the team's composition for the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026. He highlighted the effective blend of international and local talent, asserting that the squad possesses a solid balance and a formidable starting lineup.
Auction Highlights and Team Composition
During the auction held in Delhi, Gujarat Giants made a significant move by acquiring New Zealand cricket star Sophie Devine for ₹2 crore. Following this, they secured Renuka Singh, a key player in India's recent ICC World Cup victory, for ₹60 lakh. Additionally, they re-signed batter Bharti Fulmali for ₹70 lakh using their first Right to Match (RTM) option, and added Titas Sadhu for ₹30 lakh.
"We are thrilled with our squad. The combination of overseas and local players is excellent, and we will enter the tournament in January with a strong lineup to select our starting eleven from. Our balance is impressive. Unfortunately, several talented players went unsold tonight. Given our squad's composition, we had Beth Mooney as our keeper-batter, which reduced our need for another keeper-batter," Klinger remarked.
Strategic Buys in the Accelerated Auction
In the accelerated auction, the Giants utilized their second RTM to reacquire Kashvee Gautam for ₹65 lakh. They followed this with three consecutive signings: Kanika Ahuja for ₹30 lakh, Tanuja Kanwar for ₹45 lakh, and Georgia Wareham for ₹1 crore. Kanwar has been part of the franchise since its inception, while Wareham returns after winning the title with RCB in 2024 and playing for them again in 2025.
The team also added Kim Garth and Yastika Bhatia, both for ₹50 lakh each. Domestic talents Anushka Sharma, Happy Kumari, and Shivani Singh were acquired for ₹45 lakh, ₹10 lakh, and ₹10 lakh, respectively.
Final Roster for WPL 2026
The Gujarat Giants finalized their squad for WPL 2026, which includes:
- Ashleigh Gardner - All-rounder - ₹3.50 Crore
- Beth Mooney - WK-Batter - ₹2.50 crore
- Sophie Devine - All-rounder - ₹2 crore
- Renuka Singh Thakur - Bowler - ₹60 lakh
- Bharti Fulmali - Batter - ₹70 lakh (RTM)
- Titas Sadhu - Batter - ₹30 lakh
- Kashvee Gautam - All-rounder - ₹65 lakh (RTM)
- Kanika Ahuja - All-rounder - ₹30 lakh
- Tanuja Kanwar - All-rounder - ₹45 lakh
- Georgia Wareham - All-rounder - ₹1 crore
- Anushka Sharma - All-rounder - ₹45 lakh
- Happy Kumari - Bowler - ₹10 lakh
- Kim Garth - All-rounder - ₹50 lakh
- Yastika Bhatia - WK-Batter - ₹50 lakh
- Shivani Singh - WK Batter - ₹10 lakh
- Danielle Wyatt-Hodge - Batter - ₹50 lakh
- Rajeshwari Gayakwad - Bowler - ₹40 lakh
- Ayushi Soni - All-rounder - ₹30 lakh