In November 2025, all five teams of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) confirmed their player retentions for the upcoming WPL 2026 mega auction. The announcement was made just weeks before the auction, highlighting how each team plans to balance their continuity and rebuilding. While some franchises have kept their trusted core, others have opted for major changes, setting up an exciting auction battle.
Overview
According to the WPL retention rules, each franchise could retain up to five players, including a maximum of three capped Indians, two overseas players, and two uncapped Indian players.
Teams that chose to retain all five players were required to include at least one uncapped Indian. Each franchise’s total purse for the 2026 auction is ₹15 crore, with retention deductions applied based on the number of players kept.
The retention decisions have shaped each team’s remaining budget and the number of Right-to-Match (RTM) cards they can use during the auction.
1. Delhi Capitals
- Retained Players: Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Niki Prasad
- Remaining Auction Purse: ₹5.75 crore
- RTM Cards: 0
Analysis: Delhi Capitals have retained a balanced mix of international stars and local talent. Their strong top order of Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues remains intact, while all-rounders Kapp and Sutherland provide stability. The inclusion of uncapped player Niki Prasad satisfies the rule for five retentions.
2. Mumbai Indians
- Retained Players: Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amanjot Kaur, Hayley Matthews, G Kamalini
- Remaining Auction Purse: ₹5.75 crore
- RTM Cards: 0
Analysis: The defending champions have shown faith in their championship-winning combination. With Harmanpreet leading and overseas stars like Sciver-Brunt and Matthews retained, Mumbai have prioritized experience and proven chemistry. Youngster G Kamalini adds a promising domestic touch.
3. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Retained Players: Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil
- Remaining Auction Purse: ₹6.25 crore
- RTM Cards: 1
Analysis: RCB have kept their star-studded core led by Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry. The retention of emerging all-rounder Shreyanka Patil was expected after her impressive form. With one RTM card in hand, RCB still has some flexibility in the auction.
Also read: IND vs SA Test 2025: India Announce 15 Member Squad for Two Match Series Against South Africa
4. Gujarat Giants
- Retained Players: Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney
- Remaining Auction Purse: ₹9.00 crore
- RTM Cards: 3 (Indian players only)
Analysis: Gujarat Giants have gone for a major rebuild, retaining only their key overseas players. The duo of Gardner and Mooney gives them leadership and world-class quality, but the high remaining purse and three RTM cards show that they plan to make big auction moves.
5. UP Warriorz
- Retained Player: Shweta Sehrawat
- Remaining Auction Purse: ₹14.50 crore
- RTM Cards: 4
Analysis: UP Warriorz have opted for a complete overhaul, retaining just one player, uncapped Indian batter Shweta Sehrawat. With the largest purse and maximum RTM cards, the franchise is likely preparing for a complete rebuild in the 2026 auction.
Retention Rules and Purse Deductions
Each team’s auction purse starts at ₹15 crore, but retention deductions are made according to the number of players kept:
| No. of Players Retained | Total Deduction | Remaining Purse |
| 1 | ₹3.50 crore | ₹11.50 crore |
| 2 | ₹6.00 crore | ₹9.00 crore |
| 3 | ₹7.75 crore | ₹7.25 crore |
| 4 | ₹8.75 crore | ₹6.25 crore |
| 5 | ₹9.25 crore | ₹5.75 crore |
Franchises that retain fewer players gain more RTM cards, allowing them to re-sign released players during the auction by matching the highest bid.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians have both retained the maximum five players, emphasizing stability.
- RCB balanced experience and flexibility with four retentions and one RTM card.
- Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz are preparing for major rebuilds with large purses and multiple RTMs.
The WPL 2026 Auction is expected to be one of the most competitive yet, with over half the league’s players returning to the pool.
Conclusion
The WPL 2026 retention lists show a blend of consistency and change. While Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru look to defend their strong cores, UP and Gujarat are set for new beginnings with aggressive auction strategies. With leading Indian and overseas stars heading to the auction table, fans can expect high energy, big-money deals, and unpredictable twists.
Written by Kinjal Walantra