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The Gujarat Giants retention list for WPL 2026 has stunned fans as the franchise kept only two overseas stars. Despite entering WPL 2025 with high hopes, Gujarat again failed to crack the final and now heads into a fresh cycle with major changes. The Adani-owned unit finished at the bottom in the first two editions and placed third last season, only to be knocked out by champions MI.
These results forced hard calls. Gujarat backed just Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney while making a long list of releases. The Gujarat Giants retention list for WPL 2026 also confirms three RTM (Right To Match) options and a remaining purse of ₹9 crore. They are reportedly pushing for a mega auction to rebuild properly. More updates and reactions continue to circulate on platforms like cricketarmy.com.
Gujarat Giants retention list for WPL 2026 keeps Gardner, Mooney
The Giants kept their overseas core intact. Gardner remains their premier all-rounder, while Mooney stays as a proven batting anchor. Mooney, who has captained the side, brings stability at the top. Gardner offers balance in both departments, making these two hard to let go.
Retained players:
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Ashleigh Gardner
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Beth Mooney
RTM: 3
Purse left: ₹9 crore
The retained pair signals a focus on established match-winners as Gujarat assesses how to rebuild around them.
Long release list signals a reset
The release list is massive. Harleen Deol, Dayalan Hemalatha, Tanuja Kanwar, Meghna Singh, and Deandra Dottin headline exits. The group also includes uncapped domestic names and foreign batters. It reflects Gujarat’s decision to reorganize after repeated underwhelming campaigns.
Players released:
Laura Wolvaardt, Phoebe Litchfield, Harleen Deol, Dayalan Hemalatha, Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwar, Meghna Singh, Mannat Kashyap, Priya Mishra, Sayali Satghare, Shabnam Shakil, Simran Shaikh, Deandra Dottin, Danielle Gibson, Prakashika Naik
The Gujarat Giants retention list for WPL 2026 hints at a full reset, banking on the auction to reshape the squad.
Why Harleen Deol’s release surprises fans
Harleen Deol has been one of Gujarat’s most recognizable Indian stars. Her exit raised eyebrows. Although she had an inconsistent 2025 run, many expected Gujarat to keep her as a domestic core. Moving on suggests they want fresher Indian talents or a new direction altogether.
Aussies stay, others move on
Only Gardner and Mooney survive among overseas players. Laura Wolvaardt and Phoebe Litchfield’s departures highlight Gujarat’s fresh stance. They likely seek impact players capable of shifting games quickly.
Strategically, keeping Mooney and Gardner allows continuity as the Gujarat Giants retention list for WPL 2026 focuses on reliable pillars.
Mixed WPL journey pushes rebuild
Gujarat’s WPL story has been turbulent. Finishing last in the first two seasons pushed immediate introspection. Their 2025 rise into the top three was encouraging, but losing the eliminator again left them short.
That playoff taste wasn’t enough. The franchise now resets everything ahead of WPL 2026.
Reports say Gujarat and UP Warriorz support a mega auction format. It would benefit under-performing teams seeking a stronger draft pool. A mega auction gives Gujarat a fair chance to build a deep squad and remove structural weaknesses.
Auction date confirmed
The WPL 2026 auction will be held on November 27 in Delhi, inside a hotel in Aerocity near the airport. BCCI has alerted all franchises. With a healthy ₹9 crore purse, Gujarat holds enough financial muscle to revamp.
Fans will watch closely as they attempt to form a balanced XI before the season. For more updates, many turn to cricketarmy.com.
What Gujarat needs next
Gujarat must prioritize strike bowlers and consistent domestic talent. Their batting fades under pressure, and they need all-round depth besides Gardner. Retaining Mooney suggests she remains central to plans, likely leading again.
If smart at the auction, Gujarat can flip their fortunes. A mega auction could allow them to chase younger hitters and specialist bowlers.
Playoffs last year gave hope, but now the expectation is a deep run. The Gujarat Giants retention list for WPL 2026 is only the start.
