WPL 2026 Auction: Major Moves in Marquee Set
The Women's Premier League 2026 auction witnessed dramatic moments as franchises battled for top talent in New Delhi on Thursday. The marquee set saw surprising moves, massive bids, and strategic plays that set the tone for the upcoming season.
Deepti Sharma's Record Return to UP Warriorz
Deepti Sharma emerged as the headline act of the marquee set, making a spectacular return to her original franchise UP Warriorz for a staggering Rs 3.2 crore. The all-rounder, who entered the auction at a base price of Rs 50 lakh, was initially acquired by Delhi Capitals for her base amount. However, the Warriorz strategically used their Right-to-Match card to reclaim the star player after DC valued her at Rs 3.2 crore.
The 28-year-old Indian all-rounder brings tremendous value to the Warriorz, having played three previous seasons with the franchise. During her tenure, she scored 507 runs in 25 matches at an impressive strike rate of 117.63, with her highest score being an unbeaten 88 against Gujarat Giants. Her bowling contributions include 27 wickets at an economy rate of 8.29.
Sharma's recent form adds significant weight to her acquisition. She arrives at the fourth season of WPL riding high on her Player of the Tournament performance in the recent ODI World Cup. During the global tournament, she claimed 22 wickets in nine matches while also contributing 215 runs with the bat, including three half-centuries. Her crucial run-a-ball 58 in the final helped India secure the championship title.
International Stars Find New Homes
The auction saw several international stars changing teams and commanding impressive prices. Laura Wolvaardt, the South African captain, was acquired by Delhi Capitals for Rs 1.1 crore, a significant jump from her base price of Rs 30 lakh. The 26-year-old batter previously played three seasons for Gujarat Giants, scoring 342 runs in 13 matches.
Wolvaardt's recent international performances made her a hot commodity. She led South Africa to runner-up finishes in two ICC tournaments within the last year and was the highest run-getter in both competitions. During the 2025 ODI World Cup in India, she amassed 571 runs in nine matches at an average of 71.38.
In another major development, Meg Lanning found a new home with UP Warriorz for Rs 1.9 crore. The former Australian captain, who led Delhi Capitals to three consecutive runner-up finishes, brings a wealth of experience and impressive statistics. She has scored 952 runs in 27 WPL matches at a strike rate of 127.10.
RTM Cards and Strategic Acquisitions
UP Warriorz demonstrated strategic mastery by using their second RTM card to reclaim Sophie Ecclestone for Rs 85 lakh. The England left-arm spinner has been a consistent performer for the franchise, taking 36 wickets in 25 matches at an exceptional economy rate of 6.68. Her best performance came in the inaugural edition where she claimed 16 wickets in nine matches.
The New Zealand contingent saw interesting movements with Amelia Kerr returning to Mumbai Indians for Rs 3 crore after a bidding war with UP Warriorz. The 25-year-old all-rounder has won two WPL titles with MI and brings impressive all-round capabilities, having scored 437 runs and taken 40 wickets in 29 matches for the franchise.
Meanwhile, veteran New Zealand all-rounder Sophie Devine moved to Gujarat Giants for Rs 2 crore after a three-way bidding war involving Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals.
Surprising Unsold Player
In a surprising turn of events, Alyssa Healy went unsold at her base price of Rs 50 lakh. The Australian captain, who was the first player in the marquee set, might be recalled during the accelerated phase later in the auction. Healy missed the previous WPL season due to a stress injury but had an outstanding World Cup performance, scoring 299 runs in five matches at an average of 74.75 with two centuries.
The Australian wicketkeeper-batter has played two seasons for UP Warriorz, scoring 428 runs in 17 matches with a highest score of 96 not out. Her absence from the third season saw Deepti Sharma taking over captaincy duties.
Indian Talent in Demand
Indian medium pacer Renuka Singh found a new home with Gujarat Giants for Rs 60 lakh. The bowler, who entered at a base price of Rs 40 lakh, was part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's title-winning campaign in 2024. Throughout three WPL seasons with RCB, she claimed 13 wickets in 23 matches, with her best performance coming in the third edition where she took 10 wickets in seven matches.
Renuka also featured in India's World Cup campaign, playing six matches including the semi-final and final, where she claimed three wickets overall. Her best performance came against New Zealand where she took 2/25 in six overs.
The WPL 2026 auction continues to shape team compositions as franchises strategically build their squads for the upcoming season, with several more players expected to find teams in the subsequent rounds.
