--- title: "WPL 2027 Auction: UP Warriorz Make the Biggest Statement, But Who Really Won the Tactical Battle?" url: https://whatsthescore.in/blog/wpl-2027-auction-analysis-best-buys-team-strategies author: "Sandeep Tewary" author_url: https://whatsthescore.in/author/sandeep-tewary author_title: "Global Sports Enthusiast, Ex-Cricketer & Writer" publisher: "What's The Score" category: "Cricket" type: analysis published: 2026-10-29T09:35:00+05:30 updated: 2026-10-29T06:38:21+05:30 reading_time_minutes: 8 tags: ["Cricket Analysis", "Delhi Capitals", "Gujarat Giants", "Kiran Navgire", "Mumbai Indians", "Royal Challengers Bengaluru", "Sophie Molineux", "UP Warriorz", "Women's Premier League", "Women’s Cricket", "WPL 2027", "WPL Auction"] license: "Quotation with attribution and a link is permitted. Full reproduction is not." canonical: https://whatsthescore.in/blog/wpl-2027-auction-analysis-best-buys-team-strategies --- # WPL 2027 Auction: UP Warriorz Make the Biggest Statement, But Who Really Won the Tactical Battle? *Sophie Molineux commanded the biggest bid, but the WPL 2027 auction was about much more than money. Here's how UP Warriorz, RCB, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians approached their squad-building challenges.* By Sandeep Tewary · 29 October 2026 · 8 min read ## Key takeaways - UP Warriorz secured the auction's biggest signing, Sophie Molineux, for ₹1.10 crore. - Kiran Navgire's ₹75 lakh move to Delhi Capitals could add valuable Indian power-hitting. - RCB signed Jess Jonassen for ₹40 lakh to strengthen its all-round options. - Gujarat Giants invested in G. Kamalini and Orla Prendergast. - Mumbai Indians prioritised domestic depth rather than a headline-grabbing purchase. ### Sophie Molineux's ₹1.10 crore move to UP Warriorz headlined the WPL 2027 mini-auction. But the real story lies in how franchises balanced experience, Indian talent, power-hitting and squad flexibility ahead of the new season. The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction was not about spending the biggest amount of money. It was about finding the right players for the right roles. Held in Kochi on October 28, the mini-auction saw Australia's Sophie Molineux become the most expensive player, joining UP Warriorz for ₹1.10 crore. Delhi Capitals made their biggest statement by securing explosive Indian batter Kiran Navgire for ₹75 lakh, while Gujarat Giants invested in the exciting young batter G. Kamalini. But perhaps the most interesting takeaway was how different the franchises' priorities were. UP Warriorz went after experience and tactical flexibility. Delhi Capitals targeted Indian batting firepower. Gujarat Giants looked towards emerging talent and all-round options. Royal Challengers Bengaluru strengthened their multi-skilled core, while Mumbai Indians quietly added depth without engaging in an expensive bidding war. With just 27 vacant squad positions available at the start, this was a mini-auction where preparation and role clarity mattered more than headline spending. ## Sophie Molineux to UP Warriorz: A calculated investment The biggest talking point was UP Warriorz's decision to spend ₹1.10 crore on Sophie Molineux. The Australian all-rounder was not simply another overseas signing. She offered left-arm spin, batting depth, international experience and leadership qualities. UP Warriorz entered the auction with the largest purse and made their intentions clear when they went head-to-head with Royal Challengers Bengaluru for her services. The bid climbed beyond ₹1 crore before UP finally secured their target. Tactically, Molineux could be the piece that helps UP Warriorz build a more balanced XI. Her left-arm spin provides a different angle against right-handed batters, while her batting allows the team to add depth without necessarily sacrificing a bowling option. More importantly, she joins a squad already featuring Sophie Ecclestone and Deepti Sharma. That gives UP the possibility of building a spin-heavy attack capable of controlling the middle overs, particularly on surfaces where grip and variation matter. The other major addition was Grace Harris for ₹30 lakh. Harris brings explosive batting and the ability to contribute with off-spin. She can potentially open alongside Meg Lanning or strengthen the middle order, depending on the match-up and the composition of the XI. UP also signed Sneh Rana, Asha Sobhana and wicketkeeper-batter Sushma Verma for ₹30 lakh each, alongside several lower-cost options. **Verdict**: UP Warriorz were among the auction's biggest winners on paper. They bought experience, multiple bowling options and batting flexibility rather than relying on one specialist to solve every problem. The challenge will be ensuring that their spin-heavy approach is balanced by enough pace, powerplay penetration and death-over control. ## Kiran Navgire to Delhi Capitals: Power comes at a premium Delhi Capitals' acquisition of Kiran Navgire for ₹75 lakh was another major moment. Navgire is known for her ability to hit the ball hard and clear the boundary. In a competition where the difference between a competitive total and a match-winning one can be a short burst of power, that skill has obvious value. Delhi's decision suggests a focus on strengthening their Indian batting resources rather than spending heavily on multiple overseas players. The tactical question is where Navgire fits. If used near the top of the order, she can attack during the powerplay and put pressure on opposition captains early. If deployed further down, she can provide a finishing option against pace and spin. However, power-hitters need defined roles. A batter asked to rebuild after early wickets has a different job from one instructed to attack from the first delivery. Delhi will need to give Navgire a clear brief and enough opportunities to settle into it. The franchise also added Scotland spinner Kirstie Gordon and young all-rounder Uma Kashvi, along with another low-cost Indian signing. **Verdict**: Navgire was a high-upside acquisition, but her success will depend on role clarity, strike rotation and how effectively Delhi build a batting order around her strengths. ## Gujarat Giants: Investing in the next generation Gujarat Giants took a different route by signing G. Kamalini for ₹40 lakh and Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast for ₹30 lakh. Kamalini represents an investment in Indian batting talent. At this price, Gujarat are backing potential and the possibility of developing a player who can contribute over several seasons. Prendergast offers a different kind of value. Her seam-bowling all-round ability gives Gujarat more options when constructing the playing XI, particularly if the team needs to balance its overseas selections across batting and bowling. Gujarat also picked up young all-rounder Samaira Raghav for ₹10 lakh. The strategy is sensible: rather than concentrating their limited auction resources on one established name, Gujarat have added players who can potentially fill more than one role. The risk is that potential does not always translate into immediate match-winning performances. Young players need opportunities, a clear development plan and experienced teammates who can help them manage the demands of franchise cricket. **Verdict**: Gujarat's auction was a long-term investment with short-term possibilities. Kamalini and Prendergast could become important additions if their roles are carefully managed. ## Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rebuilding flexibility around a winning core Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru approached the auction with a different challenge. They needed to strengthen an established squad without making unnecessary changes to a successful combination. Their acquisition of Australian all-rounder Jess Jonassen for ₹40 lakh was one of the more interesting moves. Jonassen provides left-arm spin, batting depth and experience in high-pressure T20 cricket. RCB also signed Tejal Hasabnis and South African all-rounder Chloe Tryon for ₹30 lakh each, along with Vrinda Dinesh for ₹10 lakh. The appeal of these signings lies in flexibility. Jonassen and Tryon can contribute in more than one department, potentially allowing RCB to adjust their batting depth and bowling combinations according to conditions. Hasabnis adds another Indian batting option, while Dinesh gives the franchise an opportunity to develop its domestic resources. There is, however, a fitness consideration around Jonassen following her hip injury. Her availability and workload will matter when RCB decide how much responsibility to place on her. **Verdict**: RCB made sensible additions rather than chasing a dramatic overhaul. Their success will depend on whether the new signings improve their options without disrupting the balance that delivered the previous title. ## Mumbai Indians: Depth without the bidding frenzy Mumbai Indians chose a relatively restrained approach, adding six players while keeping individual spending modest. Shweta Sehrawat was their most expensive signing at ₹20 lakh, while Disha Kasat, Latika Inamdar, Bharti Rawal, Sanika Chalke and Akshita Bhagat joined for ₹10 lakh each. The strategy appears to prioritise depth and competition for places. In a long tournament, injuries, form fluctuations and changing match conditions can make reserve players just as important as headline signings. Disha Kasat and Latika Inamdar also give Mumbai options from the domestic circuit, while younger additions provide room for development. The bigger picture is that established franchises do not always need to win bidding contests to strengthen their squads. If the retained core already supplies the main batting, bowling and leadership roles, the auction can be used to address specific gaps at relatively low cost. **Verdict**: Mumbai's approach was financially disciplined. The real test will be whether their new signings can step up when the first-choice XI needs rotation or reinforcement. ## The best buys: Who offered the most value? Auction value is not determined by price alone. It depends on how many problems a player can solve and whether the franchise has a clear role for them. ### 1. Sophie Molineux — UP Warriorz, ₹1.10 crore The headline signing. Her all-round ability and leadership make her more than a specialist bowler, while her left-arm spin adds variety to UP's attack. ### 2. Grace Harris — UP Warriorz, ₹30 lakh Potentially one of the most valuable purchases relative to cost. Her explosive batting and useful off-spin offer flexibility in both the top and middle order. ### 3. Sushma Verma — UP Warriorz, ₹30 lakh An experienced wicketkeeper-batter who addresses a practical squad requirement. Specialist wicketkeeping and familiarity with competitive cricket can be valuable over a long season. ### 4. Jess Jonassen — RCB, ₹40 lakh A proven multi-skilled option who can strengthen both batting depth and the spin department, subject to fitness and availability. ### 5. Orla Prendergast — Gujarat Giants, ₹30 lakh An intriguing investment in an overseas seam-bowling all-rounder. Her value will depend on how effectively Gujarat use her as a genuine two-discipline option. ### 6. Disha Kasat — Mumbai Indians, ₹10 lakh A low-cost domestic signing who gives Mumbai another batting option without consuming significant purse space. Kiran Navgire deserves a separate mention. At ₹75 lakh, she was not a bargain in the conventional sense, but she could prove worth the investment if Delhi use her power-hitting in situations where it can change a match. ## The unsold players: A reminder that auctions are about fit The auction also delivered some surprises. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, India spinner Saika Ishaque and pacer Titas Sadhu were among the notable names who went unsold. Their omission should not automatically be read as a judgment on their cricketing ability. Mini-auctions are shaped by vacant slots, overseas-player limits, existing squad combinations, fitness considerations and the specific roles a franchise needs to fill. A player can be talented and still be surplus to a team's requirements. For franchises, the key question is not simply whether a player is good. It is whether that player improves the XI enough to justify the opportunity cost of using a scarce squad slot. ## Who won the WPL 2027 auction? On paper, UP Warriorz made the strongest statement. They used their available resources to add an experienced captain, a power-hitter, a wicketkeeper and several bowling options. Their squad now offers a variety of combinations, particularly in spin-friendly conditions. Delhi Capitals addressed a clear need for batting power, while Gujarat Giants invested in youth and multi-skilled players. RCB strengthened their depth with experienced all-rounders, and Mumbai focused on low-cost additions that could provide competition and cover. But auction winners are not crowned in October. They are judged in January and February, when teams have to turn potential into partnerships, match-ups into wickets and batting depth into successful chases. The most important question for every franchise is simple: can its new signings improve the starting XI, rather than merely make the squad look stronger on paper? That is where the real tactical battle begins. ## Frequently asked questions ### Who was the most expensive player in the WPL 2027 auction? Sophie Molineux was the most expensive player, joining UP Warriorz for ₹1.10 crore. ### Which team made the most signings at the WPL 2027 auction? UP Warriorz made seven acquisitions, using their larger remaining purse to strengthen multiple departments. ### How much did Kiran Navgire cost in the WPL 2027 auction? Delhi Capitals signed Kiran Navgire for ₹75 lakh. ### Which players did RCB sign at the auction? RCB's notable acquisitions included Jess Jonassen for ₹40 lakh, Tejal Hasabnis for ₹30 lakh and Chloe Tryon for ₹30 lakh. ### When is the WPL 2027 season expected to begin? The season is expected to begin on January 14, 2027, according to the tournament's pre-auction schedule. ### Which notable players went unsold? Chamari Athapaththu, Saika Ishaque and Titas Sadhu were among the notable players who did not attract bids. ## Sources - Official WPL auction results and player prices: WPL official auction page - Auction-day reporting and team signings: Hindustan Times - Full squad overview: Wisden --- Originally published by What's The Score at https://whatsthescore.in/blog/wpl-2027-auction-analysis-best-buys-team-strategies