Anjum Chopra Calls Grace Harris a Steal for UP Warriorz

Former India captain Anjum Chopra has praised UP Warriorz for securing Australian all-rounder Grace Harris for just Rs 30 lakh at the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction, describing the signing as an “absolute steal”. Chopra believes Harris could have attracted a significantly higher bid considering her experience, explosive batting and ability to contribute with the ball.

Harris will return to UP Warriorz after spending the 2026 season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The 33-year-old has been part of the WPL since its inaugural edition in 2023 and previously represented the Warriorz during the competition’s first three seasons.

The Australian all-rounder has taken a substantial pay cut to return to the franchise. After earning Rs 75 lakh in each of the first four seasons, she was acquired for her base price of Rs 30 lakh at the 2027 auction.

Despite the lower price, Harris brings considerable experience and an impressive record in the competition. Chopra believes the Warriorz made an excellent investment by adding a player capable of influencing matches in multiple departments.

Anjum Chopra Calls Grace Harris an Absolute Steal for UP Warriorz

Speaking to PTI in an exclusive Zoom interview on Saturday, Anjum Chopra identified Harris as one of the standout value purchases from the WPL 2027 auction. She felt the Australian could have attracted a much bigger price, given her all-round abilities and previous performances in the tournament.

“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.

Harris offers UP Warriorz more than just an aggressive batting option. Her ability to contribute with the ball gives the franchise additional flexibility when selecting its playing XI and managing different match situations.

For a team looking to rebuild after disappointing finishes in recent seasons, bringing back an experienced overseas all-rounder at her base price could prove an important piece of business.

Grace Harris’ WPL Record Highlights Her All-Round Value

Harris has established herself as an impactful performer in the Women’s Premier League since the competition began in 2023. Across 31 matches, she has scored 818 runs at an impressive strike rate of 149.54.

Her aggressive approach with the bat makes her a dangerous option, particularly when a team needs quick runs and momentum. Harris can change the direction of an innings through her attacking stroke play, making her a valuable middle-order option.

Her contribution is not limited to batting. The Australian has also taken 15 wickets in the WPL, with best bowling figures of 4/15. Those numbers underline why Chopra considers her a multi-talented player rather than someone who offers value in only one department.

Harris’ experience across different WPL campaigns could also help UP Warriorz maintain balance in their squad. Having already represented the franchise in its first three seasons, she is familiar with the team environment and the demands of the competition.

Sophie Molineux Headlines UP Warriorz’ WPL 2027 Auction Strategy

Grace Harris was not the only major addition as UP Warriorz worked to strengthen their squad for the 2027 season. The franchise also made Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux its biggest acquisition, signing her for Rs 1.10 crore.

The Warriorz added several other players to create a stronger combination of international experience and Indian talent. India all-rounders Sneh Rana and Asha Sobhana joined the squad, while wicketkeeper Sushma Verma was another important addition.

The franchise also secured Scotland international Kathryn Bryce, along with Manali Dakshini and Sahana Pawar. These signings give the team additional options across different departments as it prepares for the next WPL campaign.

UP Warriorz entered the auction with a purse of Rs 3.75 crore and spent Rs 2.60 crore to bring in eight players. Molineux emerged as their most expensive purchase, while Harris was among the most affordable acquisitions despite her established reputation in the league.

Their auction strategy focused on adding depth around an existing core of experienced players. With Meg Lanning and Deepti Sharma already part of the squad, the new arrivals could help the franchise build a more competitive unit.

UP Warriorz Aim to Bounce Back After Disappointing WPL Seasons

UP Warriorz will enter the 2027 season hoping to improve on a difficult run of results. The franchise reached the Eliminator in the inaugural WPL edition in 2023, finishing third in the competition.

However, their performances declined in the following campaigns. The Warriorz finished fourth in 2024 before ending the 2025 and 2026 seasons at the bottom of the table.

The disappointing results have increased the importance of building a stronger and more balanced squad. The franchise will hope that its latest auction additions can provide the consistency and match-winning performances needed to compete for the title.

Meg Lanning will lead a group that already includes established players such as Deepti Sharma, Harleen Deol, Phoebe Litchfield and Sophie Ecclestone. The addition of Molineux, Harris and the Indian players could give the team greater depth and flexibility.

Harris, in particular, could become an important player because of her ability to contribute in both batting and bowling. If she reproduces her previous WPL performances, the Warriorz may have secured one of the most valuable signings of the auction.

UP Warriorz Full Squad for WPL 2027

UP Warriorz have retained a strong group of established players while adding eight cricketers through the auction. Their squad combines experienced Indian internationals with overseas players who bring different skills to the team.

Retained players: Deepti Sharma, Harleen Deol, Kranti Gaud, Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield, Pratika Rawal, Shikha Pandey, Shipra Giri, Simran Shaikh, Sophie Ecclestone and Tara Norris.

Players bought at the 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

Can Grace Harris Help UP Warriorz Win Their Maiden WPL Title?

The signing of Grace Harris for Rs 30 lakh has received attention because of the experience and versatility she brings to the team. Anjum Chopra’s assessment reflects the potential value of the Australian’s return, particularly when compared with the price paid by the franchise.

However, the real test will come on the field. UP Warriorz need consistent performances from their experienced players as well as meaningful contributions from their new signings if they are to challenge for the championship.

With Meg Lanning leading the side and players such as Deepti Sharma, Sophie Molineux and Harris forming part of the squad, the Warriorz have several experienced match-winners. Their challenge will be to turn that individual quality into consistent team performances.

After finishing at the bottom of the standings in the last two seasons, UP Warriorz will be determined to make a stronger impression in WPL 2027. Harris could prove to be one of their most important acquisitions as they attempt to end their wait for a maiden title.