The Women’s Premier League just hit its first true moment of disruption, and it’s deliciously chaotic. For three years, teams treated retentions like a comfort blanket, carrying forward most of their squads and making only polite, cosmetic changes at mini-auctions. But the 2026 mega auction? That’s a full-frontal reset. For the first time, franchises could retain only five players, which forced even the most settled squads to let go of names they never imagined seeing in the open market.

 

Below, franchise by franchise, is the one player each team must target again and the tactical logic hiding beneath the headlines.

 

Why MI’s Entire Blueprint Needs Pooja Vastrakar

 

Mumbai Indians are serial winners for a reason: stability, continuity, and smart retention. But the five-player cap forced them to amputate parts of their core bowling group, leaving them with the rarest of WPL problems: no frontline pacer retained.

 

Enter Pooja Vastrakar. Young enough to anchor the next cycle, experienced enough to stabilize a champion team, and versatile enough to hit deep-order cameos. She missed WPL 2025 due to injury, but her previous seasons (powerplay strikes + lower-order acceleration) cemented her as MI’s long-term seam leader in waiting.

 

Why Delhi’s Spine Still Needs Radha Yadav

 

Delhi Capitals blew their purse on five retentions, leaving them in a financial straitjacket for the mega auction. They had to cut loose some giants, Lanning, Capsey, Jonassen, but the one who gives them irreplaceable balance is Radha Yadav.

 

She’s evolved remarkably since Season 1, adding composure, aerial athleticism, and dependability in the squeeze overs. With Sutherland and Kapp covering the pace lanes, DC’s only real vulnerability is spin depth. Radha fills that gap perfectly while strengthening fielding and contributing with the bat when the middle order wobbles.

 

Why RCB’s Spin Dream Still Needs Sophie Molineux

 

RCB have four retentions and a decent purse, but their squad is lopsided, batting-heavy, and bowling thin. The ideal fix? A spinner who complements Shreyanka Patil but also adds batting flexibility: Sophie Molineux.

 

The Molineux–Shreyanka combination powered the franchise’s triumphant 2024 campaign, creating pressure through variation rather than raw turn. Molineux is also in sublime career form, having led Melbourne Renegades to a BBL title and enjoyed a strong 2025 World Cup campaign.

 

Why UP Warriorz Must Rebuild Around Sophie Ecclestone

 

UP Warriorz kept only one uncapped player, which is essentially pressing the reset button on the franchise. That gives them money, freedom, and choices, but also a blank canvas without any structure. In such a scenario, retaining quality becomes non-negotiable.

 

Sophie Ecclestone is not just UPW’s best past performer; she’s one of the world’s most reliable T20 bowlers. She’s No.4 in the T20I rankings, third-highest wicket-taker in WPL history, and offers those priceless four overs of control and breakthroughs.

 

Why Gujarat Giants Need Harleen Deol More Than Ever

 

Gujarat Giants have tried everything across three seasons except consistency, and the results reflect it. They didn’t retain a single Indian player this time, choosing to stick only with Mooney and Gardner. That means the rebuilding phase must begin with an Indian batter who knows the system and performs consistently: Harleen Deol.

 

She’s their third-highest run-scorer overall and top among Indians. Her game has matured significantly in international cricket, and her ability to float between positions gives GG the flexibility they desperately lacked.

 

Key Takeaway

 

One smart buy-back often decides whether a franchise rebuilds successfully or resets into chaos.

 

FAQs

 

1. Why are WPL teams allowed only five retentions this cycle?

 

Because the league is entering a new competitive phase, ensuring balance and prevent long-term monopolies of talent.

 

2. Which team has the biggest purse heading into WPL 2026?

 

UP Warriorz retained just one uncapped player.

 

3. Can franchises realistically buy back their released stars?

 

Yes, if they strategize correctly and the bidding doesn’t inflate beyond their purse.

 

Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.

 

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