WPL 2027 Retentions: RCB and Mumbai Indians Make Big Calls Ahead of Auction
The WPL 2027 retention announcements have brought some unexpected changes ahead of the next Women’s Premier League season. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have released Grace Harris, while Mumbai Indians have parted ways with young wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini.
Across the five franchises, 63 players have been retained. Most teams have preserved their established combinations while creating space for new signings. Here is a closer look at the biggest decisions and their potential impact.
RCB Release Grace Harris as Ellyse Perry Returns
RCB have retained captain Smriti Mandhana alongside key players including Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil and Ellyse Perry. Perry’s availability for the upcoming season is an important development after she missed the 2026 campaign.
Grace Harris is among RCB’s departures, along with Linsey Smith, Dayalan Hemalatha and Gautami Naik.
From a squad-building perspective, these decisions suggest that RCB favour continuity while reassessing specific roles. Perry offers options with both bat and ball, but replacing Harris’s attacking contribution could become an auction priority.
Mumbai Indians Move On From G Kamalini
Mumbai Indians have retained experienced players such as Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews and Amelia Kerr. However, G Kamalini and left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque are among those released.
The approach points towards strengthening an existing team rather than making sweeping changes. For Mumbai, the next challenge will be finding additions who complement their established players and provide reliable alternatives across a long tournament.
Delhi Capitals Preserve Their Core
Delhi Capitals have retained Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp and Annabel Sutherland. Their departures include Sneh Rana, Alana King and Lizelle Lee.
Keeping this group together gives Delhi continuity in batting and all-round options. Their auction strategy could focus on improving depth and addressing particular match situations rather than rebuilding the playing XI.
UP Warriorz Create Space for Fresh Options
UP Warriorz have kept Meg Lanning, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone and Phoebe Litchfield. Deandra Dottin, Amy Jones and Chloe Tryon are among the players released.
These changes could allow the franchise to explore a different balance of overseas players. The important question is how new recruits will fit around the retained group and strengthen the team’s combinations.
Gujarat Giants Back Squad Stability
Gujarat Giants have retained 15 players, the largest group among the five teams. Their retained players include Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine and Georgia Wareham, while Danni Wyatt-Hodge is among the departures.
This suggests confidence in the existing squad. With fewer changes, Gujarat’s recruitment could centre on filling specific gaps and adding cover for key roles.
What Happens Next?
The WPL 2027 auction is scheduled for 28 October 2026 in Kochi, with the season set to begin on 14 January 2027.
The retentions establish each team’s foundation, but the auction will determine how effectively they address their remaining needs. RCB and Mumbai’s prominent releases add intrigue, while Delhi, UP and Gujarat bring different recruitment priorities into the next stage.