Gujarat Giants WPL 2026 Retentions: A Big Reset Before Mega Auction – The Gujarat Giants (GG-W) have taken one of the boldest decisions of the WPL 2026 season by retaining only two players ahead of the mega auction scheduled for November 27 in New Delhi. After inconsistent performances in previous seasons, the franchise has opted for a complete squad overhaul, trusting a fresh approach for the new cycle.
Despite having the option to retain up to five players—including three Indian, two overseas, and one uncapped—the Giants decided to keep only their strongest and most experienced names: Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney.
This move signals a major rebuild, aiming to fix past shortcomings and bring new energy to the team.
Gujarat Giants WPL 2026 Retained Players
The Giants have retained only two top-tier overseas players:
| Sr. No. | Player Name | Player Type | Retention Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ashleigh Gardner | Overseas | 3.5 crore |
| 2 | Beth Mooney | Overseas | 2.5 crore |
Total deduction from purse: 6 crore
Remaining purse: 9 crore
RTM cards available: 3 RTM cards
Head coach Michael Klinger said the team is aiming for “fresh energy” in the new auction cycle. The decision to retain only two players shows the franchise wants maximum flexibility during the mega auction.
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Gujarat Giants WPL 2026 Released Players List
Gujarat Giants have released several major names, including established Indian stars and globally known overseas cricketers.
GG WPL 2026 Full Released Players List:
- Laura Wolvaardt
- Deandra Dottin
- Harleen Deol
- Phoebe Litchfield
- Priya Mishra
- Saima Thakor
- Dayalan Hemalatha
- Kashvee Gautam
- Mannat Kashyap
- Simran Shaikh
- Meghna Singh
- Sayali Satghare
- Prakashika Naik
- Tanuja Kanwar
- Shabnam Shakil
This includes massive surprises like:
- Laura Wolvaardt – top run-getter of the recent ODI World Cup
- Phoebe Litchfield – rising Australian star
- Deandra Dottin – veteran all-rounder
- Harleen Deol – one of India’s biggest names
By releasing so many match-winning players, Gujarat Giants have made the WPL 2026 mega auction even more dramatic.
Why Did Gujarat Giants Release So Many Players?
Based on the provided information, a few clear reasons emerge:
1. Poor Results in Previous Seasons
Despite a strong squad on paper, GG-W consistently underperformed and failed to find the right team balance.
2. Mega Auction Strategy
By retaining only two players, GG now has:
- A huge purse (₹9 crore)
- Three RTM cards
- Maximum freedom to rebuild the team from scratch
3. Focus on Flexibility & New Core
The coaching staff wants to bring in fresh faces who fit the team’s new strategy and playing style.
Gujarat Giants WPL 2026 Squad Strength Going Into Auction
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Retained Players | 2 |
| Released Players | 15+ |
| RTM Cards Available | 3 |
| Remaining Purse | ₹9 crore |
| Slots Available | High (Major rebuild) |
GG-W will enter the auction aggressively, especially targeting Indian core players and experienced all-rounders.
What’s Next for Gujarat Giants?
With a major rebuild on the cards, Gujarat Giants are expected to:
- Bid big on top Indian players
- Hunt for a new opening pair
- Strengthen their bowling unit
- Add depth in all-rounders
- Use RTM cards strategically
With Gardner and Mooney forming the core, the Giants now aim to assemble a stronger, more balanced squad capable of finally reaching the playoffs.
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Conclusion
Gujarat Giants have taken a brave and strategic call ahead of WPL 2026. By retaining only Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney and releasing big names like Laura Wolvaardt and Harleen Deol, they have opened the door to a full-scale rebuild.
With a ₹9 crore purse and three RTM cards, GG-W could become one of the most active teams at the mega auction on November 27. Fans can expect major bidding wars and exciting squad-building decisions as Gujarat Giants look to write a new chapter in their WPL journey.
