England batter Sophia Dunkley could emerge as an interesting option at the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction, scheduled to take place in Kochi, Kerala, on October 28. The right-handed batter has gained valuable experience in international cricket and franchise competitions, showcasing her ability to score quickly and put opposition bowlers under pressure.

Dunkley has registered for the auction at a base price of ₹50 lakh, placing her in the highest price category alongside Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux. With 146 cricketers competing for 27 available slots across the five franchises, teams will need to carefully assess their remaining budgets and squad requirements. Dunkley’s ability to provide attacking starts could make her a player to watch as franchises look to finalise their combinations for the upcoming season.

3 franchises that can bid for Sophia Dunkley in WPL 2027 auction

1. UP Warriorz

UP Warriorz could be among the strongest contenders for Dunkley, given their reported remaining purse of ₹3.75 crore and three overseas slots available. Their financial flexibility could allow them to compete for an experienced international batter without immediately compromising their other recruitment priorities.

Dunkley’s attacking intent during the Powerplay could help UP Warriorz establish stronger starts and put opposition bowlers under pressure. She could also provide additional top-order options alongside established players such as Alyssa Healy, depending on the franchise’s final squad composition.

With sufficient funds to address multiple areas, UP Warriorz could prioritise Dunkley if they identify a need for an overseas opener who can contribute quick runs. Her potential role would depend on the team’s final combination and the other players secured at the auction.

Potential role: Overseas opening batter and Powerplay aggressor.

2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru could also consider Dunkley as they look to maintain their competitive batting unit. RCB reportedly have ₹1.15 crore remaining in their purse and two overseas slots to fill, giving them room to explore international options.

Dunkley’s aggressive batting style could complement captain Smriti Mandhana at the top of the order. Her ability to attack during the Powerplay could help RCB build early momentum and provide another option if the team needs to adjust its opening combination.

However, RCB would need to balance her potential acquisition against their other squad requirements. With only two overseas slots available, the franchise would have to decide whether an additional top-order batter offers greater value than strengthening its bowling or all-rounder options.

Potential role: Overseas top-order batter and attacking opening option.

Also READ: WPL 2027 Auction: Complete list of registered players with base prices

3. Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals could enter the bidding for Dunkley if they want additional experience and flexibility in their batting line-up. The franchise reportedly have ₹1.10 crore remaining, although their single available overseas slot could make the decision more complicated.

Dunkley could provide an aggressive alternative alongside experienced batters such as Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma. Her presence could give Delhi another option at the top of the order and help the team maintain its scoring rate during the initial overs.

However, Delhi would need to prioritise its overseas recruitment carefully. With only one slot remaining, the franchise would have to weigh Dunkley’s batting strengths against other potential targets before committing to a bid at her ₹50 lakh base price.

Potential role: Overseas top-order batter who can strengthen batting depth.

Also READ: American star joins Mumbai Indians for Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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