Gujarat Giants (GG) A strategic shift has been carried out ahead of Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Mega AuctionAfter a poor history and a third-place playoff finish in 2025, they decided to retain only two of their star Australian players: Ashley Gardner (INR 3.5 Crore) and beth mooney (INR 2.5 Crore). This gives them a substantial auction purse of Rs 9 crore and a significant advantage of three right-to-match (RTM) cards. Their strategy is clear: strengthen the overseas core, then use big budgets and RTM cards to build a high-quality Indian unit while focusing on domestic batting depth and specialist bowling.
Gujarat Giants may target 5 players in WPL 2026 mega auction
The priority for the Gujarat giants will be to secure a homegrown captain/leader and strengthen their Indian pace and spin attack, which they have completely depleted in the retention process.
1. Laura Wolvaardt (RTM Priority – Top-Ranking Firepower)
- Role: World class foreign opener/batsman
- Why aim: Wolvaardt was released despite being the leading run scorer 2025 women’s world cupScored back-to-back centuries in the semi-finals and final. His release was a financial move, with the possibility of re-acquiring him at a price below the fixed retention cost. Given their limited overseas slots, securing a world-class, in-form batsman with one of the RTMs is an option they should consider if they want a stable top-order alongside Beth Mooney.
2. Sneh Rana (RTM Priority – Indian Captain and All-rounder)
- Role: Indian captaincy options (off-spin all-rounder)
- Why aim: Sneh Rana The former vice-captain released by RCB and was a key player for GG. Considering that GG have released all their Indian players, they need an experienced domestic leader. Rana offers this along with tight off-spin and easy lower-order batting. Using the RTM card on a proven Indian all-rounder and leadership candidate like Rana is a highly strategic move to provide immediate stability.
3. Renuka Singh Thakur (New Indian fast bowler – Powerplay specialist)
- Role: Indian pace spearhead (swing bowler)
- Why aim: Released by RCB, Renuka Singh One of India’s leading fast bowlers, particularly effective with the new ball. GG has not retained any Indian fast bowler, making Renuka the top priority. His ability to swing the ball and take wickets in the powerplay is rare and will be highly sought after. GG has a purse of Rs 9 crore to outbid competitors for this vital domestic bowling asset.
Also read: WPL 2026 Retention: Complete list of retained players ahead of Women’s Premier League mega auction
4. Harleen Deol (RTM Priority/New Indian Batsman – Middle-order Anchor)
- Role: Indian middle order batsman
- Why aim: Harleen Deol 2025 was a frequent Indian artist for GG. Given his familiarity with the franchise and his ability to anchor the middle overs, GG should strongly consider using one of their RTM cards to potentially bring him back at a competitive price. She provides a much-needed domestic batting backbone that complements the retained overseas players.
5. Kashvi Gautam (Indian fast bowler – high potential talent)
- Role: Indian uncapped fast bowler
- Why aim: Before his release, Gautam was bought for Rs 2.0 crore in the 2025 auction. As one of the most promising young Indian fast bowlers, he is an ideal target for GG’s uncapped RTM slot. Securing him ensures future homegrown fast bowling talent who can contribute with the bat as well. His high price tag already shows that the franchise had confidence in his ability.
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
