WPL Auction: Big Players In Slot 1 Fail To Attract Bids, Deandra Dottin Joins GG

December 15, 2024: The WPL 2025 Auction on Sunday in Bengaluru featured some exciting buys and a few surprises, with major moves made by several franchises, including Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians. Among the standout acquisitions was Deandra Dottin, the West Indies all-rounder, who was snapped up by Gujarat Giants for a significant Rs 1.7 crore.

Deandra Dottin made headlines for her return to the cricketing scene after a tumultuous period. In the 2023 edition of WPL, she was initially bought by Gujarat Giants but had to withdraw just before the season opener due to injury concerns, which she later clarified were not a result of any actual injury. In the 2024 season, Dottin went unsold, but her fortunes took a turn this year.

Her comeback to the West Indies national team during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup earlier in 2024 was a defining moment. After announcing her retirement from international cricket two years earlier, Dottin proved her mettle by scoring 120 runs in the tournament at a blistering strike rate of 162.16, making a strong case for her return to the league.

Her acquisition by Gujarat Giants for Rs 1.7 crore is a testament to her experience and explosive potential. The franchise will look to leverage her all-round abilities, especially her destructive batting at the top of the order and her handy bowling.

Gujarat Giants had a productive auction, making strategic moves to strengthen their squad. Apart from Dottin, the team retained a solid core of players, including the likes of Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Harleen Deol, and Laura Wolvaardt. These players will form the backbone of the Giants’ challenge in the 2025 season.

• Ashleigh Gardner
• Beth Mooney
• Harleen Deol
• Kashvee Gautam
• Laura Wolvaardt
• Meghna Singh
• Phoebe Litchfield
• Sayali Satghare
• Shabnam Shakil
• Tanuja Kanwer
• Released Players:
• Kathryn Bryce
• Lauren Cheatle
• Lea Tahuhu
• Sneh Rana
• Tarannum Pathan
• Trisha Poojitha
• Veda Krishnamurthy

Unsold Slot 1 Players

There were several high-profile players in Slot 1 who failed to attract bids, which came as a surprise to many. Some of the notable unsold players included:

Heather Knight (England) – Despite being a world-class player and England’s captain, she went unsold.

Sneh Rana (India) – The versatile Indian all-rounder, who has been a crucial part of India’s limited-overs teams, was also unsold.

Lauren Bell (England) – The promising English fast bowler, known for her accuracy, didn’t find a buyer.

Darcie Brown (Australia) – The young Australian pacer, who impressed in international cricket, also went unsold.

Kim Garth (Australia) – Another Australian pacer who failed to secure a deal.

Poonam Yadav (India) – The experienced Indian leg-spinner also went unsold.

The WPL 2025 season promises to be a thrilling one, with franchises heavily investing in both experienced campaigners and promising young talents. The Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians have made some key additions to their rosters, while the unsold players may seek redemption in the future.