Sophia Dunkley is an England batter known for her attacking style and ability to score quickly in T20 cricket. She is a right-handed batter who can play aggressive shots against both fast bowlers and spinners. Her ability to score runs at the top of the order makes her a useful option for teams that want strong starts and more power in their batting line-up. She has also played in the Women’s Premier League, so she already has experience of the competition.
Dunkley is registered for the WPL 2027 auction at a base price of ₹50 lakh, placing her in the highest price bracket. With several franchises looking for overseas batting options, she could attract interest from teams that need an aggressive top-order player. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz are three possible teams to watch, especially after releasing players who previously offered batting or all-round skills. These are potential targets based on squad needs, not confirmed bidding plans.
1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Royal Challengers Bengaluru could consider Sophia Dunkley as an option to strengthen their top-order batting. RCB released Grace Harris ahead of the auction, creating an opportunity to bring in another attacking overseas batter. Harris could contribute with both bat and ball, while Dunkley is mainly a batting option. However, Dunkley’s ability to score quickly could help RCB maintain an aggressive approach during the powerplay.
RCB have two overseas places to fill and around ₹1.15 crore remaining in their purse. Dunkley’s ₹50 lakh base price could fit their plans if they prioritise an overseas batter. She could provide another option alongside Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll, allowing the team to build a batting order suited to different match situations. RCB will still need to consider their other squad requirements before deciding whether to bid for her.
2. Gujarat Giants
Gujarat Giants could target Sophia Dunkley after releasing England batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge. Wyatt-Hodge offered an attacking option at the top of the order, and Dunkley could compete for a similar batting role. Both players are capable of scoring quickly, so Dunkley could be considered if Gujarat decide to bring in a different overseas batter for the upcoming season.
Gujarat have around ₹1.25 crore remaining and three squad places to fill, including one overseas spot. This means they can make one major overseas signing but will need to manage their budget carefully. Dunkley could strengthen their batting options alongside Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine. However, the team will need to decide whether another top-order batter is a higher priority than strengthening its bowling attack.
3. UP Warriorz
UP Warriorz could consider Sophia Dunkley because they have several squad places available and more money to spend than the other franchises. The team released Deandra Dottin and Chloe Tryon, both of whom provided all-round options. Dunkley would not replace their bowling skills, but she could give the Warriorz another overseas batter who can attack from the start and help build a strong total.
UP Warriorz have around ₹3.75 crore remaining and eight places to fill, including three overseas slots. This gives them greater flexibility when choosing overseas players. With Meg Lanning and Phoebe Litchfield already in the squad, the team could consider Dunkley if it wants another aggressive batting option. Her signing would depend on whether the management prefers to spend on another batter or use its funds to strengthen other areas.