WPL 2026: 5 players who Gujarat Giants can target in Women’s Premier League mega auction

The Gujarat Giants (GG) have conducted a strategic overhaul prior to the Mega Auction Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026. After a patchy history and a third-place play-off finish in 2025, they decided to keep only their two star Australian players: Ashleigh Gardner (INR 3.5 Cr) and Beth Mooney (INR 2.5 Cr). This leaves them with a sizeable auction purse of INR 9 crore and a crucial advantage of three Right-to-Match (RTM) cards. Their strategy is clear: consolidate the overseas core and then use the huge budget and RTM cards to build a high-quality Indian unit from scratch, with an emphasis on domestic batting depth and specialist bowling.

5 players Gujarat Giants can target WPL 2026 mega auction

Gujarat Giants’ priority will be to secure a domestic captain/leader and strengthen their Indian pace and spin attack, which they completely abandoned during the retention process.

1. Laura Wolvaardt (RTM Priority – Top Class Firepower)

• Role: Overseas opener/world-class batsman
• Why target: Wolvaardt was released despite being the top scorer of the 2025 Women’s World Cupwho scored consecutive centuries in the semi-final and final. Her release was a financial move that would likely reacquire her at a price lower than the fixed retention fee. Given their limited overseas slots, securing a world-class batsman, in form at one of the RTMs, is an option they need to consider if they want a stable top spot alongside Beth Mooney.

2. Sneh Rana (RTM Priority – Indian Captain and All-rounder)

• Role: Indian captaincy option (off-spin all-rounder)
• Why target: Sweet Rana was the former vice-captain and a crucial player for GG, released by RCB. Since GG has released all their Indian players, they need an experienced domestic leader. Rana offers that, along with tight off-spin and useful lower-order batting. Using an RTM card on a proven Indian all-rounder and leadership candidate like Rana is a very strategic move to provide immediate stability.

3. Renuka Singh Thakur (New Indian pacer – Powerplay specialist)

• Role: Spearhead of the Indian pace (Swing Bowler)
• Why target: Published by RCB, Renuka Singh is one of India’s best fast bowlers, especially effective with the new ball. GG has not retained any Indian pacers, making Renuka a top priority. Her ability to swing the ball and take wickets in the powerplay is rare and will be highly sought after. GG has the pocketbook of INR 9 crore to outbid competitors for this crucial domestic bowling asset.

READ also: WPL 2026 retention: Full list of players retained ahead of Women’s Premier League mega auction

4. Harleen Deol (RTM Priority / New Indian Batter – Middle-Order Anchor)

• Role: Indian middle order batter
• Why target: Harleen Deol was a consistent Indian performer for GG in 2025. Given her familiarity with the franchise and her ability to anchor the middle overs, GG should strongly consider using one of their RTM cards to bring her back, possibly at a competitive price. She provides a much-needed domestic batting backbone that complements the retained foreign players.

5. Kashvee Gautam (Indian pacer – talent with a lot of potential)

• Role: Indian uncapped fast bowler
• Why target: Gautam was bought for INR 2.0 crore in the 2025 auction before being released. One of the most promising young Indian pacers, she is a perfect target for GG’s unlimited RTM slot. Securing her ensures a domestic fast bowling talent for the future, who can also contribute with the bat. Rather, her high price tag shows the confidence the franchise had in its potential.

READ also: WPL 2026 Retention: From Deepti Sharma to Meg Lanning – Full list of players released ahead of the Women’s Premier League mega auction

This article was first published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.