Kochi, October 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Gujarat Giants head coach Michael Klinger said the franchise was “pretty much sorted” after signing G Kamalini and Orla Prendergast at the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction, adding that both players were acquired for less than the team had anticipated.
Gujarat Giants secured Kamalini, who previously represented Mumbai Indians, at her base price of Rs 40 lakh. Ireland’s seam-bowling all-rounder Prendergast was signed for Rs 30 lakh.
After six sets of the auction were completed on Wednesday, four teams had picked up a total of just 10 players, while defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru were yet to make a signing.
“We’re pretty much sorted. The two selections so far, we probably got cheaper than we thought, to be honest. We felt Kamalini was the best batter in the auction, the most talented batter,” Klinger told reporters.
He said the franchise had been looking for an all-rounder who could complement its existing squad, and Prendergast’s medium-pace bowling and batting abilities would provide valuable options during the season.
“We were looking for an all-rounder to complement our squad. With the overseas selection, Prendergast, as a medium-pace all-rounder, gives us plenty of options during the season,” he said.
Klinger, a former Australia batter, said he was familiar with Prendergast’s abilities, having worked with her at Welsh Fire in The Hundred earlier this year. He also praised her leadership qualities and contribution to Ireland cricket.
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“I was lucky enough to work with her at Welsh Fire in The Hundred this year. She’s a leading player for Ireland, also has good leadership qualities, and will be fantastic around the group,” he added.
Prendergast becomes the first Ireland player to feature in the five-team WPL tournament. Klinger said her versatility made her a valuable addition, particularly given the franchise’s remaining budget and squad requirements.
“Whether there’s an injury, whether we want to go for another overseas medium-pace option, who can bat in the top six or seven, she gives us a lot of versatility. As I said, I’ve worked with her before and she’s a world-class all-rounder. So it’ll be great to have her amongst the squad,” Klinger said.
He added that Gujarat Giants’ auction strategy had been relatively straightforward because the team needed only a small number of players and had sufficient funds available.
“Our planning was not too difficult this time around. Other than the new players, we feel we had the second-most in terms of purse because we only really needed to get one player if we had to as well,” he said.
Klinger said securing Kamalini for less than expected had given the franchise additional flexibility to pursue overseas options. Prendergast was the team’s first choice among those options.
“In this particular auction, Orla was our first, and so I think it’s probably worked out a little easier. We’ve got one spot left, which obviously we have enough money in the purse to get someone else now. So we’ll just see how that goes,” he added.
Gujarat Giants have Rs 55 lakh remaining in their purse, with one squad slot left to fill. All their overseas slots have been filled.
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