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UP Warriorz WPL 2027 auction needs: Full list of retained, released players and possible targets

UP Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar heads into the WPL 2027 mini‑auction with the league’s largest budget after a disappointing 2026 campaign that saw the side finish last for the second year running, managing only two victories, both against Mumbai Indians. The franchise retained a core that includes Australian captain Meg Lanning (signed for ₹1.90 crore), India all‑rounder Deepti Sharma (₹3.20 crore), England spinner Sophie Ecclestone, Australian top‑order Phoebe Litchfield, Harleen Deol, Kranti Gaud, Shikha Pandey, Shipra Giri, Simran Shaikh and all‑rounder Pratika Rawal, while releasing Asha Sobhana.

The auction strategy appears focused on shoring up the wicket‑keeping position after letting go of England’s Amy Jones and Shweta Sehrawat, with options such as Taniya Bhatia, Nuzhat Parween or Uma Chetry on the radar, as well as a younger prospect like Bhavika Ahire. UP Warriorz may also pursue an overseas pace‑bowling all‑rounder to replace Deandra Dottin, eyeing South Africa’s Annerie Dercksen or Ireland’s Orla Prendergast, and could add a third spin weapon – candidates include Nonkululeko Mlaba, Jess Jonassen or Indian spinner Parunika Sisodia – while possibly re‑signing Asha Sobhana at a reduced fee.

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