In a stunning display of strategic bidding, the Gujarat Giants have made two significant acquisitions at the Women's Premier League 2025 auction, securing New Zealand powerhouse Sophie Devine for a massive Rs 2 crore and Indian pace sensation Renuka Singh Thakur for Rs 60 lakh.
Record-Breaking Bid for Sophie Devine
The auction room witnessed intense competition as Gujarat Giants went head-to-head with rival franchises for Sophie Devine's signature. The bidding war began when Giants opened at Rs 50 lakh for the New Zealand all-rounder who recently took a mental health break following her country's T20 World Cup victory.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru attempted to retain their star player, but Giants quickly escalated the bid to Rs 1 crore. The competition intensified when Delhi Capitals entered the fray at Rs 1.1 crore, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown between the two franchises.
The bid rapidly climbed from Rs 1.2 crore to Rs 1.3 crore before Gujarat Giants made the decisive winning bid of Rs 2 crore, making Devine one of the highest-valued players in the auction.
Strategic Acquisition of Renuka Singh Thakur
Gujarat Giants further strengthened their bowling attack by securing Indian new-ball specialist Renuka Singh Thakur. The bidding for Thakur commenced at Rs 40 lakh and concluded at Rs 60 lakh, representing excellent value for one of India's most effective swing bowlers.
Despite some injury concerns in recent times, Thakur remains a formidable force in women's cricket, known for her ability to swing the ball both ways and provide crucial breakthroughs with the new ball.
Strengthened Squad for WPL 2025 Campaign
These strategic acquisitions significantly bolster Gujarat Giants' roster for the upcoming Women's Premier League 2025 season. The combination of Devine's power-hitting and leadership experience with Thakur's bowling expertise creates a balanced and formidable team structure.
Devine brings not only her explosive batting capabilities but also valuable T20 World Cup-winning experience and captaincy skills that will benefit the entire squad. Her return to competitive cricket after a mental health break adds an inspiring narrative to the upcoming season.
The complete Gujarat Giants Women squad now features an impressive lineup including Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, Renuka Singh Thakur, Bharti Fulmali, Titas Sadhu, Kashee Gautam, Kanika Ahuja, Tanuja Kanwer, Georgia Wareham, Anushka Sharma, Happy Kumari, Kim Garth, Yastika Bhatia, Shivani Singh, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Ayushi Soni.
These strategic moves position Gujarat Giants as serious contenders for the WPL 2025 title, combining international star power with domestic talent to create a well-rounded competitive team.
