WPL 2027: Was RCB Right to Release Harris, Smith Before Auction?

WPL 2027: Was RCB Right to Release Harris, Smith Ahead of Player Auction?

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have made one of the most shocking moves ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction.

The franchise released its power-hitting Australian batter Grace Harris and England spinner Linsey Smith.

Although the Bengaluru-based franchise retained its core set of 13 players, releasing Harris and Smith ignited debates in the cricket community.

Retained and Released Players, Purse Available and Slots Remaining

Total Players Retained: 13
Overall Released Players: 04
Slots Available to Fill in Player Auction: 05
Slots Available for Overseas Players: 02
Overall Purse Available: INR 1.15 Crore
RCB’s Indian Retained Players (9): Smriti Mandhana (Captain), Richa Ghosh, Prema Rawat, Pooja Vastrakar, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Arundhati Reddy, and Prathyoosha Kumar
RCB’s Foreign Players Retained (4): Nadine de Klerk, Georgia Voll, Lauren Bell, Ellyse Perry
Released Players List (4): Grace Harris (Overseas), Linsey Smith (Overseas), D Hemalatha, and Gautami Naik

Grace Harris Release: Shocking Decision That Makes Sense

Having scored 237 runs in 9 matches, Grace Harris was RCB’s second-leading run scorer in WPL 2026 after Smriti Mandhana (377 runs in 9 innings).

Even though she wasn’t an active contender in the Orange Cap race, her batting average tallied around 26.33 with a strike rate of 178.20. It includes her two 50+ knocks against UP Warriorz.

Despite opening the innings alongside Smriti Mandhana, the Aussie cricketer’s role turned out to be less essential. This was because her two half-centuries were scored against the same team in the last season.

Experts believe that Harris’s abilities as an explosive batter are overshadowed because of her inconsistency. There were few instances where she converted her starts into high-scoring knocks.

From RCB’s point of view, signing a specialist all-rounder who can serve both as a finisher and a spin bowler would provide better balance to the squad.

Linsey Smith’s Release: Not A Surprising Decision

RCB’s decision to part ways with Linsey Smith was an expected one. The two-time champions boast quality spin bowling options via Indian players Radha Yadav and Shreyanka Patil.

In a highly dynamic 20-over tournament, franchises prioritise overseas all-rounders who possess power-hitting skills as well as make notable contributions in the pace and spin bowling attack.

Linsey’s role as a specialist orthodox spin bowler can easily be replaced by a young or experienced Indian talent. This enhances RCB’s flexibility to build a formidable playing XI.

Ellyse Perry’s Comeback: A Boon for RCB

According to experts' opinion, Ellyse Perry’s return has influenced the franchise’s decision to release Harris and Smith. The Australian all-rounder confirmed her availability for the upcoming season 05 after withdrawing from WPL 2026 due to personal reasons.

Hailed as one of the greatest all-rounders in women’s cricket, Perry’s experience with both bat and ball, along with her match-winning experience and leadership skills, elevates the standards of RCB’s squad.

Perry’s return reduces the requirement for another overseas all-rounder option in the squad.

It is clearly evident that RCB chose flexibility rather than sentiment in retaining all the players from the last season’s title-winning squad.

Overall Opinion

RCB’s decision to release Grace Harris before the WPL 2027 player auction initially sparked debate among fans because it is hard to replace her destructive batting skills in women’s T20 cricket.

Even though Linsey Smith’s release was the correct decision, parting ways with Harris after Perry’s comeback seems to be a risky move.

From a cricket analyst's point of view, the reigning champions have made the right decision. However, RCB should use their purse of INR 1.15 crore wisely and fill the specific gaps in the squad. By failing to secure quality replacements, Harris' absence can certainly be felt in the next season, particularly during high-pressure matches.