Balance Over Big Names: UP Warriorz Reveal WPL Auction Strategy
UP Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar reveals the team's strategy for the WPL 2027 auction, focusing on balance and Indian talent.
As the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction prepares to kick off in Kochi on October 28, the UP Warriorz have made their intentions crystal clear. Rather than engaging in a bidding war for the biggest stars, the franchise is prioritizing a strategic UP Warriorz auction plan designed to add depth and flexibility to an already formidable core.
A Solid Foundation: The Retained Core
The Warriorz are entering the auction with a significant advantage, having already secured 11 key players. This retained group is a calculated blend of global superstardom, seasoned domestic experience, and raw youth.
The overseas contingent is headlined by former Australian captain Meg Lanning and her compatriot Phoebe Litchfield, alongside England's spin wizard Sophie Ecclestone and USA's Tara Norris. On the domestic front, the team is anchored by Deepti Sharma, who leads a core that includes Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal, and Shikha Pandey. To ensure future growth, the franchise has also retained promising young Indian talents Kranti Gaud, Shipra Giri, and Simran Shaikh.
Abhishek Nayar's Vision for the Squad
With 11 players locked in, the team has seven remaining slots to fill, including two for overseas recruits. Head Coach Abhishek Nayar, who stepped into the role before the 2026 season, believes the current squad provides a stable platform, but emphasizes that the remaining picks must be surgical.
“We have a strong group in place, and the players understand our environment and what we want to achieve. At the auction, we are not looking at it as a chance to simply add names. We want players who complement what we already have, who give us options with both bat and ball, and who can handle different roles depending on the match situation. Balance and flexibility will be very important for us,” said Abhishek Nayar.
Nayar also highlighted a strong commitment to scouting untapped potential within India, noting that the auction pool contains hungry players ready to prove themselves at the highest level.
Disciplined Approach to Team Building
The franchise's leadership is determined to avoid the trap of emotional bidding. Kshemal Waingankar, COO & Director of Cricket at Capri Sports, stressed that the auction is merely a continuation of the logic used during the retention phase.
Waingankar stated that the goal is to remain disciplined and stay true to the blueprint rather than being swayed by decisions that do not fit the squad's specific needs. The ultimate objective is to create a consistent performing unit while fostering an environment where Indian cricketers can thrive.
UP Warriorz Retained Squad for WPL 2027:
- Overseas: Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Ecclestone, Tara Norris
- Indian Core: Deepti Sharma, Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal, Shikha Pandey
- Emerging Talent: Kranti Gaud, Shipra Giri, Simran Shaikh