UP Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar has outlined a measured, role-first strategy ahead of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027 player auction, scheduled to take place in Kochi on Wednesday, 27 October 2026. The franchise enters the bidding with 11 players already retained and seven slots still to fill, two of them reserved for overseas talent.

The Retained Core

The Warriorz's retained group blends international pedigree with domestic depth. Former Australia captain Meg Lanning and compatriot Phoebe Litchfield anchor the overseas batting lineup, while England spinner Sophie Ecclestone and USA international Tara Norris round out the foreign contingent. On the Indian side, all-rounder Deepti Sharma leads alongside experienced campaigners Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal, and Shikha Pandey, with young talents Kranti Gaud, Shipra Giri, and Simran Shaikh completing the list. Nayar, who took charge ahead of the 2026 season, said this foundation gives the side a clear direction going into the auction room.

What Nayar is Looking For

'We have a strong group in place, and the players understand our environment and what we want to achieve. At the auction, we are not looking at it as a chance to simply add names. We want players who complement what we already have, who give us options with both bat and ball, and who can handle different roles depending on the match situation. Balance and flexibility will be very important for us,' said Abhishek Nayar, head coach, UP Warriorz.

Nayar also emphasised the franchise's commitment to Indian talent. 'We have also been clear about our belief in Indian talent. There are players in the auction pool who are hungry to improve and are ready for the demands of this level. If we can identify the right ones and give them the right platform, that is good for the team and for their development as well,' he added. This signals that the Warriorz may prioritise lesser-known but high-potential domestic names over expensive marquee buys in the remaining rounds.

Management's Stance: Discipline Over Impulse

Kshemal Waingankar, COO and Director of Cricket at Capri Sports — the franchise's ownership group — stressed that the auction strategy is a direct continuation of the retentions philosophy. 'We went into the retentions with a clear idea of the kind of team we want to build, and the auction is a continuation of that. We have a core that gives us quality and experience, and now it is about adding the right pieces around it. We will be disciplined and stay true to our plan rather than being drawn into decisions that do not fit the squad,' Waingankar said.

He added that the longer-term goal remains creating a sustainable environment for Indian women's cricket. 'Our aim is to build a team that can perform consistently, and to keep creating an environment where Indian talent can grow and make its mark at the highest level,' he noted. The Warriorz, who have been competitive but are yet to claim a WPL title, will be hoping a carefully assembled final seven bridges the gap between a strong squad and a championship.

Context: WPL 2027 Auction at a Glance

The WPL 2027 auction is being held in Kochi, underscoring the league's growing footprint beyond its traditional metro base. Across all franchises, the bidding will shape rosters for a tournament that has rapidly emerged as one of women's cricket's premier club competitions globally. For UP Warriorz, the 11 retentions leave limited but meaningful room to manoeuvre — making every remaining pick count.