The Women's Premier League 2026 season is already generating massive buzz as franchises have finalized their retention lists, setting the stage for what promises to be the most competitive edition yet. The retention window has closed, revealing strategic masterstrokes and surprising releases that will reshape team dynamics.
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Betting Big on Their Champions
RCB, fresh off their maiden WPL title victory, has shown tremendous faith in their championship-winning core. The franchise has retained the dynamic duo of Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry, ensuring their explosive batting combination remains intact. Young sensation Richa Ghosh continues as the wicketkeeper-batter, while spin wizard Shreyanka Patil and pace spearhead Renuka Singh complete their formidable Indian contingent.
Mumbai Indians: Holding onto Their Powerhouse
The inaugural season champions, Mumbai Indians, have maintained their aggressive approach by retaining their core strength. Captain Harmapreet Kaur continues to lead the charge, with the destructive Hayley Matthews and wicketkeeping stalwart Yastika Bhatia providing solidity. The retention of pace sensation Shabnim Ismail and all-rounder Amelia Kerr ensures Mumbai remains a well-balanced unit capable of dominating any opposition.
Delhi Capitals: Strengthening Their Finalist Core
Delhi Capitals, the consistent performers who reached yet another final, have strategically retained their key players. The explosive Shefali Verma and captain Meg Lanning continue their formidable opening partnership, while the versatile Jemimah Rodrigues adds middle-order stability. The Capitals have also secured the services of all-rounder Marizanne Kapp and spinner Radha Yadav, maintaining their balanced squad composition.
UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants: Strategic Rebuilds Underway
The Warriorz have made some calculated decisions, retaining the experienced Alyssa Healy as their leader and keeper. Young Indian talents Deepti Sharma and Rajeshwari Gayakwad continue to be their key domestic pillars, providing the team with much-needed stability and match-winning capabilities.
Gujarat Giants, looking to turn their fortunes around, have placed their faith in Australian powerhouse Beth Mooney to lead the revival. The retention of all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner and Indian stars Harleen Deol and Tanuja Kanwer indicates a focus on building a competitive squad capable of challenging the established teams.
What This Means for WPL 2026
The retention patterns reveal fascinating team strategies. Established franchises like RCB, Mumbai Indians, and Delhi Capitals have prioritized continuity, retaining their proven match-winners. Meanwhile, UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants appear to be building more strategically around core players, potentially leaving room for major acquisitions in the upcoming auction.
The released players list now creates an exciting pool of talent for the auction, where franchises will battle it out to complete their squads. With several international stars and promising domestic players available, the WPL 2026 auction promises to be as thrilling as the tournament itself.
As teams solidify their foundations through these retentions, the stage is set for a massive bidding war to fill the remaining slots. Cricket enthusiasts can expect an electrifying season as franchises complete their squads and prepare for WPL 2026.
