Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finalized their retention list for the 2027 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season, confirming the return of Ellyse Perry while releasing Australian power-hitter Grace Harris. The defending champions retained 13 players in total, parting ways with Harris, England spinner Linsey Smith, and Indian duo Dayalan Hemalatha and Gautami Naik.
The fifth edition of the WPL is scheduled to take place from January 14 to February 7, 2027. Ahead of the tournament, the player auction will be held in Kochi at the Grand Hyatt Kochi on October 28, 2026.
Perry returns to the RCB squad after missing the 2026 title-winning campaign due to personal reasons. RCB head coach Malolan Rangarajan confirmed her availability for the 2027 season. “As far as our retentions are concerned, RCB has retained 13 players, and Ellyse Perry has made herself available to play for RCB in the upcoming WPL,” Rangarajan said. He noted that her return as a top-order batter “bolsters the team in all departments,” allowing the franchise to reassess its tactical balance at the auction.
UP Warriorz have opted for a roster reset under the leadership of Meg Lanning, releasing a league-high nine players. The list of released players includes Deandra Dottin, Chloe Tryon, and Indian leg-spinner Asha Sobhana. The Warriorz will enter the Kochi auction with the largest purse in the league, valued at INR 3.65 crore.
Mumbai Indians also adjusted their squad under new head coach Luke Williams. The franchise released six players, including veteran spinner Saika Ishaque and young wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini. Analysis of the squad suggests a shift in bowling strategy, as Ishaque had been a primary component of the Mumbai attack in previous seasons.
Delhi Capitals released veteran all-rounder Sneh Rana alongside overseas stars Alana King and Lizelle Lee. The decision to move on from Rana, one of India’s most experienced domestic all-rounders, indicates a potential reorganization of the Capitals’ spin-bowling department through the upcoming auction.
With high-profile players such as Harris, Dottin, and Rana entering the auction pool, franchises with significant remaining funds are expected to focus on established overseas and domestic talent to complete their rosters for the 2027 season.
