10 months ago
WPL 2026 Retention: Experts Advise Franchises on Key Player Decisions
The TATA Women's Premier League (WPL) is getting ready for its next big player auction, and experts are giving teams advice on who to keep.
Each team needs to decide which players they want to sign for the next season before the auction starts.
For example, RCB is being told to keep star players like Ellyse Perry and Smriti Mandhana because they are very good.
Mumbai Indians have many strong players, so they have tough choices about who to keep, especially overseas stars like Nat Sciver-Brunt.
Delhi Capitals are thinking about both their current captain, Meg Lanning, and who might be a good Indian captain in the future.
Teams also need to consider keeping promising young players who haven't played much yet.
These decisions are important for building a winning team.
Experts provided retention advice for TATA WPL 2026 franchises on JioHotstar's 'Retention Preview'.
RCB is advised to retain Ellyse Perry, Smriti Mandhana, and Richa Ghosh, with Sneh Rana or Kanika Ahuja as other Indian options.
Mumbai Indians face tough overseas retention choices with Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, and Hayley Matthews, while Harmanpreet Kaur is a key Indian retention.
Delhi Capitals must balance retaining captain Meg Lanning with grooming an Indian successor, prioritizing Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues.
Gujarat Giants are expected to retain Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney, with Bharati Fulmali and Kashvee Gautam also being priorities.
- Who
- Experts (Mithali Raj, Veda Krishnamurthy, Saba Karim) and players of TATA WPL franchises, including Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Mumbai Indians, UP Warriorz, Delhi Capitals, and Gujarat Giants.
- What
- Analysis and recommendations for player retention strategies ahead of the TATA WPL 2026 mega auction.
- Where
- Discussed on JioHotstar's TATA WPL 'Retention Preview'.
- When
- Leading up to the TATA WPL 2026 season and its mega auction.
- Why
- To help franchises build strong core squads by making informed decisions on which players to retain based on performance, potential, and team needs.
Retain Maximum Players
Prioritize Auction Flexibility
Number of Indian Player Retentions
Retain Maximum Players
Some franchises like RCB face a dilemma on retaining three Indian players versus limiting to two, with experts suggesting retaining strong Indian talents like Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh.
Prioritize Auction Flexibility
To maintain auction flexibility, franchises might opt for fewer retentions, potentially impacting their ability to secure key Indian players who might not be retained.
Overseas Player Retention Strategy
Retain Maximum Players
Experts like Mithali Raj highlight the importance of retaining impactful overseas players like Ellyse Perry and Georgia Wareham for their all-round contributions and match-winning abilities.
Prioritize Auction Flexibility
With many prominent overseas all-rounders, franchises like Mumbai Indians face tough decisions, potentially releasing some to free up purse space and allow new talent to emerge in the auction.
Key facts
- Retention Deadline
- Implied to be before the TATA WPL 2026 mega auction
- Key Franchises Discussed
- RCB, Mumbai Indians, UP Warriorz, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants
- Expert Analysts
- Mithali Raj, Veda Krishnamurthy, Saba Karim
- Player Retention Categories
- Indian capped, Indian uncapped, Overseas
- Factors in Retention Decisions
- Match-winning ability, all-round contribution, captaincy, future potential, hitting power, spin bowling, wicketkeeping
Quotes
Mithali Raj
JioStar expert
“RCB should definitely retain Ellyse Perry, she has been a match-winner with both bat and ball. Georgia Wareham brings valuable leg-spin and hitting power in the middle overs. Kim Garth and Sophie Molineux are strong options too, but Perry and Wareham will likely be their picks. Among Indian players, Smriti Mandhana is an automatic choice, and Richa Ghosh is another must-keep as a wicketkeeper-batter. The third retention could be someone like Sneh Rana, who performed well when given opportunities, or Kanika Ahuja for her left-handed cushion in the lower order. They could also consider retaining uncapped player VJ Joshita, who impressed in the chances she got.”
deccanchronicle.com
“Mumbai Indians have tough decisions with their overseas all-rounders. Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, and Hayley Matthews are all match-winners. Among Indian players, captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Amanjot Kaur are solid options. But I was particularly impressed by uncapped player Gunalan Kamalini, who showed exciting power-hitting potential in her last appearance this season.”
deccanchronicle.com
Veda Krishnamurthy
JioStar expert
“Meg Lanning has been an exceptional captain, leading Delhi to three consecutive finals. However, at 33, the management must also consider grooming a long-term Indian successor. Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues are straightforward retentions, while Meg remains crucial among overseas players. Annabel Sutherland is an undeniable investment for the future. Among uncapped players, Niki Prasad stands out. These five form a strong core for Delhi heading into the next season.”
deccanchronicle.com
“RCB faces a key decision on whether to retain three Indian players or limit it to two. While Captain Smriti Mandhana is their first choice for obvious reasons, Richa Ghosh and Ellyse Perry are also strong options and they complete a strong top three. Nadine de Klerk's World Cup form makes her tempting to include, but this creates competition for spots with players like Sophie Molineux and Shreyanka Patil. If released, they might not have the funds to buy them back. Among uncapped players, Prema Rawat shows great promise despite limited opportunities. These factors create significant but positive challenges for RCB's retention strategy”
deccanchronicle.com
Saba Karim
JioStar expert
“Mumbai Indians have a strong squad; they should maximise their retention slots. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur is an automatic pick, and Yastika Bhatia adds great value as a top-order keeper-batter. Among overseas players, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Chloe Tryon offer crucial all-round skills. For the uncapped slot, young left-hander Gunalan Kamalini deserves continued investment after MI backed her last season.”
deccanchronicle.com
