A Wild Day at the WPL 2026 Auction: The 2026 Women’s Premier League mega auction in New Delhi was nothing short of a whirlwind. All five teams, UP Warriorz, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Gujarat Giants, fought hard to build strong squads. With 277 players in the pool but only 73 spots available, every bid felt intense.
The biggest headline came when Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma was picked up by UP Warriorz for an incredible Rs 3.20 crore, making her the highest-priced buy of the season. Meanwhile, fans were stunned to see Australian superstar Alyssa Healy go unsold, sparking plenty of discussion.
WPL 2026 Auction – Mumbai Indians Smart and Calculated
Mumbai Indians entered the auction with one of the smallest budgets, but they used it wisely. Their standout move was bringing back Amelia Kerr for Rs 3 crore, showing how important her all-around abilities are to the team. They also retained key players from their 2025 title-winning squad, including Hayley Matthews, Shabnim Ismail, and Saika Ishaque.
Adding experienced all-rounder Nicola Carey further strengthens their balance in both batting and bowling. Overall, MI made smart, steady decisions.
WPL 2026 Auction – Delhi Capitals Mixing Experience with Fresh Energy
Delhi Capitals aimed for a blend of seasoned players and upcoming talent. They secured Laura Wolvaardt, Shree Charani, and Chinelle Henry, boosting both their batting and spin options.
With Charani joining their existing spin group, DC has a strong middle-overs attack. Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma continue to provide stability at the top. Taniya Bhatia returns as wicketkeeper, and Lizelle Lee’s presence gives their batting more power. DC looks well-rounded and ready for the future.
WPL 2026 Auction – Royal Challengers Bengaluru Focusing on Balance
RCB kept things sensible and focused on overall squad depth. They brought in powerful batters like Grace Harris, Georgia Voll, and Nadine de Klerk.
Their bowling unit has a healthy mix too, with pace from Pooja Vastrakar and Lauren Bell, and spin options such as Radha Yadav and Linsey Smith. RCB’s choices reflect a calm and balanced approach.
WPL 2026 Auction – UP Warriorz Going Big and Bold
UP Warriorz were one of the most active teams at the auction. Deepti Sharma’s record-breaking signing was the highlight, but they added plenty more. The team picked up former Australia captain Meg Lanning, young star Phoebe Litchfield, and the explosive Deandra Dottin, giving them a very strong batting lineup.
Sophie Ecclestone bolsters their spin department, while pace options include Shikha Pandey and rising talents like Kranti Goud and Kiran Navgire. UPW clearly aimed for a blend of experience, power, and fresh energy.
WPL 2026 Auction – Gujarat Giants Still Searching for Spark
Gujarat Giants had a relatively quiet and underwhelming auction. While they held on to key players like Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner, their overall squad still lacks the punch needed to match other teams. They will rely heavily on a few standout performers to stay competitive. On paper, they appear to be the weakest lineup going into the tournament.
Countdown to WPL 2026 Begins
With all squads locked in, attention now turns to January when WPL 2026 finally begins. If the auction drama is anything to go by, fans can expect powerful performances, intense matchups, and plenty of exciting women’s T20 cricket.
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