Kiran Navgire Eyes Maiden WPL Silverware for DC; Sushma Verma, Latika Inamdar to Begin New Chapters

The TATA Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction brought more than new contracts for Kiran Navgire, Sushma Verma and Latika Inamdar. It delivered fresh opportunities, renewed hope, and the promise of new beginnings as the three Indian players found their places in different franchises ahead of the upcoming season.

Navgire was picked up by Delhi Capitals for ₹75 lakh, Verma secured a deal worth ₹30 lakh with UP Warriorz, while Inamdar joined Mumbai Indians for ₹10 lakh. Though their journeys to the auction table were different, all three shared a common feeling: excitement about the opportunity to prove themselves on one of the biggest stages in women's cricket.

Kiran Navgire remains confident of DC's maiden WPL title

For Kiran Navgire, joining Delhi Capitals is an opportunity to be part of a familiar group and help a team finally cross the finish line. Having reached the WPL final four times without winning the trophy, DC will enter the 2027 season determined to turn repeated heartbreak into championship glory.

Navgire is already convinced that this could be their year. Speaking on JioStar's Match Centre Live Auction Special, she expressed her excitement about joining the franchise and sharing the dressing room with players she already knows.

"I am very excited to play for Delhi Capitals. I have played with Chinelle Henry before, and I have also played with Shafali Verma. I have also spoken to Jemimah Rodrigues in the past, so I know most of the players. I am very excited to share the dressing room and play alongside all of them," Navgire said.

Her confidence, however, extends beyond the prospect of reuniting with familiar faces. The batter believes Delhi Capitals have every reason to approach the new season with belief, especially after coming so close to winning the title on multiple occasions.

"Delhi Capitals have reached the final four times, so this year we have a chance to win it. I am fully prepared to play for Delhi Capitals. I feel that whatever the team has been waiting for over the last four years will finally be fulfilled this season. I am confident that DC will become champions this year," she added.

For DC, Navgire's determination could prove valuable as they seek to overcome their history of near misses and make another push for the coveted trophy.

Sushma Verma's patience finally pays off

For Sushma Verma, the auction represented a particularly emotional milestone. After going unsold in the previous three auctions, the wicketkeeper-batter finally found a franchise willing to place its faith in her, with UP Warriorz securing her services for ₹30 lakh.

Her journey is a reminder of the uncertainty surrounding franchise cricket, where hard work and performance do not always guarantee a place in a squad. Yet, rather than allowing repeated disappointment to diminish her ambition, Verma continued to wait for her opportunity.

"I'm very grateful for this opportunity to represent UP Warriorz. I was just hoping and waiting for it. Every player works hard and performs, but in franchise cricket, sometimes the slot is not made for you. I was not picked in the last three auctions, but I was very hopeful that one day my hard work would pay off and everything would fall into place. So, after getting picked by UPW, I'm feeling good. A big thanks to UP Warriorz for showing that trust," she said.

The contract offers Verma a fresh platform to demonstrate her abilities and contribute to a side looking to strengthen its squad. More importantly, it marks the end of a difficult wait and the beginning of another chance to make her presence felt in the WPL.

Latika Inamdar looks forward to a special Mumbai Indians reunion

Meanwhile, Latika Inamdar's move to Mumbai Indians for ₹10 lakh has brought excitement of a different kind. Joining the two-time champions is an opportunity to learn within an established setup, but the presence of fellow player Bharti Rawal has made the moment even more memorable.

The two were watching the auction together, waiting to discover where their respective careers would take them next. Finding themselves picked by the same franchise turned an anxious wait into a shared celebration.

"I'm really excited to join the two-time champions, Mumbai Indians. I'm also very happy that Bharti Rawal and I are in the same team. We were watching the auction together and waiting to see where we would go. When we found out that we were both picked by the same team, it felt really special. I'm very excited for the upcoming season," Inamdar said.
For the young player, the move represents a chance to grow and contribute to a franchise with a strong championship pedigree. Having a familiar face alongside her could also make the transition into a new dressing room that little bit easier.

Three signings, three different journeys

The WPL auction is often remembered for its big-money bids and high-profile international signings, but stories like those of Navgire, Verma and Inamdar reveal another side of the competition. One player arrives with the confidence of a title contender, another sees years of patience rewarded, and a third begins an exciting new chapter alongside a familiar teammate.

As the tournament approaches, each will have a different role to play. Navgire will hope to help Delhi Capitals finally claim their maiden crown, Verma will look to make the most of her long-awaited opportunity with UP Warriorz, and Inamdar will aim to make a strong impression at Mumbai Indians.

The TATA WPL 2027 season is scheduled to run from January 14 to February 7, with the three players now preparing to turn their auction-day excitement into performances on the field.