The Gujarat Giants (GG) have executed a strategic overhaul ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Mega Auction. After a patchy history and a 3rd-place playoff finish in 2025, they decided to retain only their two star Australian players: Ashleigh Gardner (INR 3.5 Cr) and Beth Mooney (INR 2.5 Cr). This leaves them with a substantial auction purse of INR 9 crore and a crucial advantage of three Right-to-Match (RTM) cards. Their strategy is clear: solidify the overseas core, then use the massive budget and RTM cards to build a high-quality Indian unit from scratch, focusing on domestic batting depth and specialist bowling.
5 players Gujarat Giants can target in WPL 2026 mega auction
Gujarat Giants’ priority will be securing a domestic captain/leader and reinforcing their Indian pace and spin attack, which they completely vacated in the retention process.
1. Laura Wolvaardt (RTM Priority – Top-Order Firepower)
- Role: World-Class Overseas Opener/Batter
- Why Target: Wolvaardt was released despite being the top run-scorer of the 2025 Women’s World Cup, scoring back-to-back centuries in the semi-final and final. Her release was a financial move, likely to re-acquire her at a lower price than the fixed retention cost. Given their limited overseas slots, securing a world-class, in-form batter with one of the RTMs is an option they must consider if they want a stable top order alongside Beth Mooney.
2. Sneh Rana (RTM Priority – Indian Captain & All-Rounder)
- Role: Indian Captaincy Option (Off-Spin All-rounder)
- Why Target: Sneh Rana was the former vice-captain and a crucial player for GG, released by RCB. Given GG released all their Indian players, they need an experienced domestic leader. Rana offers that, along with tight off-spin and handy lower-order batting. Using an RTM card on a proven Indian all-rounder and leadership candidate like Rana is a highly strategic move to provide instant stability.
3. Renuka Singh Thakur (New Indian Pacer – Powerplay Specialist)
- Role: Indian Pace Spearhead (Swing Bowler)
- Why Target: Released by RCB, Renuka Singh is one of India’s premier fast bowlers, especially effective with the new ball. GG has retained no 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 INR 9 crore purse to outbid competitors for this crucial domestic bowling asset.
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, potentially at a competitive price. She offers a much-needed domestic batting backbone that complements the retained overseas players.
5. Kashvee Gautam (Indian Pacer – High-Potential Talent)
- Role: Indian Uncapped Fast Bowler
- Why Target: Gautam was bought for INR 2.0 crore in the 2025 auction before being released. As one of the most promising young Indian pacers, she is a perfect target for GG’s uncapped RTM slot. Securing her ensures a domestic fast-bowling talent for the future, who can also contribute with the bat. Her high price tag previously shows the faith the franchise had in her potential.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
