The Gujarat Giants enter the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction with greater clarity and confidence than ever before. After reaching the knockout stages for the first time in 2026, the Giants have retained 15 players and will now look to add three more names, including one overseas player, with ₹1.25 crore remaining in their purse. With the fifth edition scheduled from 14 January to 7 February 2027 and the mini-auction set for 28 October in Kochi, Gujarat’s task is not to rebuild, but to strengthen an already competitive squad.
Under captain Ashleigh Gardner, the Giants finished second in the 2026 league standings with 10 points from eight matches, winning five and losing three. Their campaign ended in the Eliminator, where Delhi Capitals secured a seven-wicket victory at Vadodara on 3 February. Although the defeat exposed the gap between a strong league-stage side and a title contender, Gujarat’s progress was unmistakable.
The franchise has retained Anushka Sharma, Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Bharti Fulmali, Georgia Wareham, Happy Kumari, Jintimani Kalita, Kanika Ahuja, Kashvee Gautam, Kim Garth, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh, Sophie Devine, Tanuja Kanwer and Yastika Bhatia. Ayushi Soni, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Shivani Singh and Titas Sadhu have been released.
Gujarat’s decision to retain the core of its 2026 squad is understandable. Beth Mooney was their leading run-scorer, producing 258 runs at a strike rate of 122.27 and an average of 32.25 in nine innings, including two half-centuries. Sophie Devine was even more influential overall. She finished as the joint-leading wicket-taker alongside Delhi Capitals’ Nandani Sharma, claiming 17 wickets at an average of 16 and an economy rate of 8.28, including a four-wicket haul. Devine also contributed 243 runs at a strike rate of 148.17 and an average of 30.37, with two half-centuries, making her Gujarat’s third-highest run-scorer.
The retention list suggests that the Giants already possess experience at the top, multiple all-rounders, and solid pace bowling options, spin variety and wicketkeeping depth. Their priority, therefore, should be reliable backups who can strengthen the middle order and provide flexibility during a demanding tournament.
Ireland’s Orla Prendergast could be the ideal overseas target. The 24-year-old all-rounder has scored 2,054 runs at a strike rate of 122.77 and an average of 30.20 in 88 international matches, including 14 half-centuries. With the ball, she has taken 69 wickets at an average of 19.53 and an economy rate of 5.76. Her experience with Adelaide Strikers in the WBBL and Welsh Fire in The Hundred adds further value. Although her returns in those competitions have been mixed, her ability to influence games in both departments makes her a logical fit for Gujarat’s balance.
The Giants should also prioritise Indian batting depth. Vrinda Dinesh, previously part of the UP Warriorz setup in 2024 and 2025, could offer solidity in the middle order. Her WPL returns so far, 102 runs in 10 matches, are modest, but her improvement in technique, game awareness and power hitting makes her a potential breakout candidate.
Tejal Hasabnis is another dependable option. She has already represented India in ODIs, scoring 140 runs at an average of 46.66 and a strike rate of 78.65, including an unbeaten half-century. Her performances for India A against Australia A, scores of 22, 6 and 42 in T20s, followed by 81, 60 and 2 in the one-day series, underline her consistency.
If Gujarat miss out on Hasabnis, Tanisha Singh could be an intriguing alternative. The 23-year-old batting all-rounder has impressed at the domestic level and continued that form against Australia A, scoring 23, 37 and 60 in the one-day series. She also made 92 from 166 balls in the unofficial Test, striking 12 boundaries, and can contribute with off-spin.
The Gujarat Giants do not need a major overhaul. Mumbai Indians won the inaugural WPL in 2023 and again in 2025, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifted the trophy in 2024 and 2026. Delhi Capitals finished runners-up in all four editions. Gujarat’s next step is to convert their first playoff appearance into a title challenge. With ₹1.25 crore and three slots available, smart additions rather than headline purchases could be the difference between another Eliminator exit and a place in the final.
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