Gujarat Giants Bolster Ranks: Kamalini, Prendergast and Samaira Join WPL 2027 Squad
Gujarat Giants strengthen their WPL 2027 squad by signing G Kamalini, Orla Prendergast, and Samaira Raghav at the Kochi auction.
The Gujarat Giants have officially locked in their roster for the 2027 Women’s Premier League (WPL) after a strategic outing at the auction in Kochi. Owned by Adani Sportsline, the franchise focused on filling three critical gaps in their lineup, adding a mix of international experience and raw youth to a squad that already boasted a formidable core of retained stars.
Strategic Auction Moves in Kochi
Entering the auction with 15 retained players and a remaining purse of Rs 1.25 crore, the Giants had a clear blueprint: target specific skill sets to complement their existing strengths. By the end of the proceedings on Wednesday, the team had expanded its squad to 18 players by securing three key acquisitions.
The New Recruits
- G Kamalini: A stylish left-handed top-order batter from Tamil Nadu. Having emerged as the third-highest run-scorer at the 2024-25 ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup, she was signed for Rs 40 lakh to provide aggression at the top.
- Orla Prendergast: The Irish all-rounder brings a vital overseas dimension to the team. A capable middle-order batter and right-arm medium pacer, Prendergast joined the Giants for Rs 30 lakh.
- Samaira Raghav: In a move to inject fearless power, the Giants picked up the 16-year-old explosive middle-order batter at her base price of Rs 10 lakh. Raghav is known for a staggering strike rate of 200.
Coaching Insight: Filling the Gaps
Head Coach Michael Klinger revealed that the team's strategy was heavily influenced by a preseason camp held in Bengaluru. The camp allowed the coaching staff to scrutinize the retained players and pinpoint exactly where the squad lacked punch.
"The players did well last season and gave us a strong foundation to build on. Our preseason camp in Bengaluru helped us assess the squad and identify the areas we needed to strengthen," Klinger stated. He emphasized that Kamalini provides aggression, Prendergast offers wicket-taking all-round quality, and Raghav adds explosive power to the middle order.
A Vision for Youth and Fearless Cricket
Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer of Adani Sportsline, highlighted the franchise's commitment to scouting and nurturing young talent. He noted that the inclusion of 16-year-old Samaira Raghav follows the successful development of players like Kashvee Gautam, Anushka Sharma, and Happy Kumari.
Adesara expressed that the ultimate goal is to build a team that plays "fearless cricket," not only to win but to inspire the growth of women's cricket within Gujarat and across India.
Building on Past Success
The Gujarat Giants are entering the 2027 season with significant momentum. In the 2026 WPL, the team finished second in the group stage, securing five victories out of eight matches before their journey ended in the Eliminator. With a reinforced squad, the franchise aims to push further in the upcoming campaign.
Complete Gujarat Giants Squad for WPL 2027
Retained Players:
- 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
- Yastika Bhatia
Auction Acquisitions:
- G Kamalini
- Orla Prendergast
- Samaira Raghav