Grace Harris an absolute steal at WPL auction: Anjum Chopra credits UP Warriorz
Former India captain Anjum Chopra believes UP Warriorz pulled off one of the smartest deals at the WPL 2027 auction by bringing back Australian all-rounder Grace Harris for just Rs 30 lakh. Harris, who has been part of the league since its inaugural season in 2023, returns to the franchise after spending the 2026 edition with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
The Australian has taken a significant pay cut after earning Rs 75 lakh in each of the first four seasons of the competition. She represented UP Warriorz in the first three editions before moving to RCB in 2026. Despite her experience and ability to make an impact with both bat and ball, the Warriorz managed to secure her services at her base price of Rs 30 lakh.
"Grace Harris was the only one which I felt was an absolute steal. I think Grace could have fetched a higher price. Thirty lakhs, I thought, is a very nice buy for UP Warriorz because obviously she brings more than one skill to the fore; she is multi-talented," Anjum told PTI in an exclusive Zoom interview on Saturday.
The 33-year-old has made a significant impact in the competition, scoring 818 runs in 31 matches at an impressive strike rate of 149.54. She has also picked up 15 wickets, with best figures of 4/15, underlining her value as a genuine all-rounder.
The Warriorz have put together an interesting combination ahead of the 2027 season, blending experienced international stars with Indian talent. Their biggest acquisition was Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux, who was signed for Rs 1.10 crore. They also brought in Harris, India all-rounders Sneh Rana and Asha Sobhana, wicketkeeper Sushma Verma, Scotland's Kathryn Bryce, Manali Dakshini and Sahana Pawar.
The Warriorz entered the auction with Rs 3.75 crore in their purse and spent Rs 2.60 crore on eight players, with Molineux emerging as their biggest purchase. Their strategy was to add depth to a squad that already boasts several established names, including skipper Meg Lanning and Deepti Sharma.
UP Warriorz will hope their latest acquisitions can finally help them end their wait for a maiden WPL title. They finished third in the inaugural season in 2023, reaching the Eliminator, before slipping to fourth in 2024 and finishing at the bottom of the table in both 2025 and 2026. With Lanning leading the side, the Warriorz will be eager to turn their fortunes around and mount a serious title challenge.UP WARRIOZ FULL SQUAD
Brought in auction: Sophie Molineux – Rs 1.10 crore, Sneh Rana – Rs 30 lakh, Grace Harris – Rs 30 lakh, Sushma Verma – Rs 30 lakh, Kathryn Bryce – Rs 10 lakh, Manali Dakshini – Rs 10 lakh, Sahana Pawar – Rs 10 lakh, Asha Sobhana – Rs 30 lakh- Ends
