The Women's Premier League (WPL) is poised for a historic shake-up as it gears up for its first-ever mega auction ahead of the 2026 season. This major squad overhaul will see the five franchises—Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants—completely rebuild their teams from the ground up.
While three established teams reluctantly dismantle their core squads, the Warriorz and Giants see a golden opportunity for a fresh start. The marquee list features global icons, but the spotlight is firmly on the 10 Indian players from the recent World Cup-winning squad, alongside a new wave of domestic talent that has scouts buzzing.
The Established Stars: World Cup Heroes on the Market
Deepti Sharma, the off-spin all-rounder released by UP Warriorz, is undoubtedly the biggest Indian name entering the auction pool. As the Player of the Tournament in the World Cup and the MVP of WPL 2024, her base price of Rs 50 lakh seems a bargain. Teams will be eager to capitalize on her recent form, and it remains to be seen if UPW will use a precious Retain-To-Match card to bring her back.
Another key figure is Sneh Rana, the off-spin all-rounder with a base price of Rs 30 lakh. After the surprise of going unsold last year, her story is one of remarkable resilience. She joined RCB as an injury replacement and used that platform to power her way back into the national team and onto the World Cup podium. Franchises will have noted her improved power-hitting lower down the order, adding a new dimension to her game.
The Rising Pace & Spin Sensations
A genuine pace-bowling asset is a rare commodity in Indian women's cricket, which makes Kranti Gaud a highly sought-after prospect. The 22-year-old right-arm pacer from Madhya Pradesh, with a base price of Rs 30 lakh, possesses raw speed and the potential to add even more pace. Franchises are likely to bid aggressively, seeing her high ceiling as a long-term investment.
In the spin department, N Sree Charani has emerged as a vital cog. The left-arm spinner from Andhra Pradesh, who broke into the Indian team on the back of WPL 2025, was a key part of the World Cup bowling attack. Her control and guile were singled out as a major threat by opponents like Australia. Interestingly, she has listed herself as an all-rounder, signaling her ambitions with the bat.
The Power-Hitters & Youth Phenoms
Kiran Navgire has sent her auction stock soaring with a record-shattering domestic performance. The power-hitter from Maharashtra smashed the fastest ever T20 century in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, reaching the milestone in just 34 balls. Her explosive strike rate of 235.55, matched only by Shafali Verma, makes her a game-changer with a base price of Rs 40 lakh.
From the next generation of stars, Vaishnavi Sharma is a name on everyone's lips. The left-arm spinner from Madhya Pradesh announced herself on the world stage during India's victorious U19 World Cup campaign, where she was the leading wicket-taker. Her stunning figures of 5/5 against Sri Lanka, which included a hat-trick, made headlines. She has seamlessly transitioned to the senior domestic circuit, finishing as the top wicket-taker in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, all with a highly accessible base price of just Rs 10 lakh.
This mega auction represents a pivotal moment for the WPL, as franchises look to blend the experience of World Cup champions with the explosive potential of India's brightest new talents to build their dynasties for the future.
