![Manchester Super Giants have signed Mandhana and Lanning [Source: WPLT20/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768486799567_SmritiMandhanaMegLanningWPL.jpg?type=hq)
Manchester Super Giants have signed Mandhana and Lanning [Source: WPLT20/X.com]
The Hundred Competition is set to undergo a squad reshuffle ahead of the 2026 season, after multiple takeovers have been completed. The RP-Sanjiv Goenka group, which owns teams like Lucknow Super Giants and Durban Super Giants, among others, will be the new owners of the Manchester Originals (now Super Giants) and were one of the key beneficiaries of the pre-auction signings.
The Super Giants Group have swooped in services of two of the biggest women stars in Smriti Mandhana and Meg Lanning, who are both World Cup winners with India and Australia, respectively. They have also made big moves for Men's competition, retaining the services of explosive Jos Buttler and Heinrich Klaasen, among others.
Mandhana and Lanning to open for MSG
Previously, the Indian left-hand batter was a big part of the Southern Brave Women's side, where she played 29 innings and accumulated 676 runs at a strike rate of 139.09. On the other hand, in the two seasons that she has played, the former Aussie skipper was with London Spirits and Oval Invincibles, scoring 457 runs in 18 innings at a strike rate of 132.08.
The two opening bats will bring in the experience of five T20 World Cups and two fifty over World Cups combined. Smriti has also previously led the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a WPL title, while Lanning has been the captain of the Delhi Capitals in their three final appearances. In addition to the duo, the Super Giants have also secured the services of left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who is another match-winner to the roster.
It remains to be seen who captains the team, with two bona fide leaders at the coach Matthew Mott and co.'s disposal.
Manchester Super Giants retain star power in the Men's team
Apart from the big-name signings, which could lead the Manchester Super Giants to a title in the tournament, they have retained T20 superstars Jos Buttler and Heinrich Klaasen in the batting department, while Noor Ahmed will continue as the key spinner. Liam Dawson's all-around abilities have also been swooped up by them from the London Spirits.
Manchester Super Giants pre-auction signings:
Women
1. Smriti Mandhana
2. Meg Lanning
3. Sophie Ecclestone
Men
1. Jos Buttler
2. Heinrich Klaasen
3. Noor Ahmed
4. Liam Dawson.
The Hundred 2026: Full list of pre-auction signings
Notably, every team was allowed to sign a maximum of four players for both men's and women's competition; however, it was not mandatory to fill all the slots. The following are the players signed by every team.
Birmingham Phoenix
Men - Jacob Bethell and Rehan Ahmed
Women - Ellyse Perry, Alice Capsey and Lauren Filer
London Spirit
Men - Liam Livingstone and Jamie Overton
Women - None
Manchester Super Giants
Men - Jos Buttler, Noor Ahmad, Heinrich Klaasen and Liam Dawson
Women - Smriti Mandhana, Meg Lanning and Sophie Ecclestone
MI London
Men - Sam Curran and Will Jacks
Women - Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Southern Brave
Men - Jofra Archer
Women - Lauren Bell
Sunrisers Leeds
Men - Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Mitch Marsh and Nathan Ellis
Women - Kate Cross, Annabel Sutherland and Phoebe Litchfield
Trent Rockets
Men - Ben Duckett and Tim David
Women - Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophia Dunkley
Welsh Fire
Men - Phil Salt
Women - None
