New year, same old UP Warriorz.

The franchise enters the Women’s Premier League 2027 mini-auction with the biggest purse and a blank canvas for head coach Abhishek Nayar to paint a more encouraging picture.

Last season, UPW finished at the bottom of the standings for the second consecutive edition. It managed just two wins, both against two-time champion Mumbai Indians.

But there were a few positives amid an otherwise disappointing campaign. Australian great Meg Lanning was signed for Rs. 1.90 crore and handed the captaincy, while India international Deepti Sharma was brought back for Rs.

3.20 crore.

The brightest spot in the Warriorz’s season was Australian top-order batter Phoebe Litchfield. Among the retained players, she scored 243 runs in six innings at a strike rate of over 150 before being ruled out through injury.

Possible auction targets: The release of both Amy Jones, England’s first-choice wicketkeeper, and Shweta Sehrawat suggests that UPW will be looking to recruit a wicketkeeper at the auction. Shweta kept wickets in six of the team’s eight matches last season but was inconsistent at times.

If Nayar opts for an experienced pair of hands, Taniya Bhatia, Nuzhat Parween and Uma Chetry are among the available options. Alternatively, the franchise could invest in a younger player such as Bhavika Ahire, who captained India Under-19 in this year’s home series against Sri Lanka.

UPW could also target an overseas pace-bowling all-rounder to fill the role Deandra Dottin occupied last season. South Africa’s Annerie Dercksen and Ireland’s Orla Prendergast are potential options.

The team may also seek a third spin option to support Deepti and England’s Sophie Ecclestone. Last season, Asha Sobhana and Chloe Tryon largely filled that role.

Overseas options such as Nonkululeko Mlaba and Jess Jonassen, along with Indian spinner Parunika Sisodia, could come into consideration. Alternatively, UPW could look to bring Asha back at a lower price.

Published on Oct 26, 2026