The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Mega Auction in Delhi delivered a thrilling spectacle of high-stakes bidding, strategic manoeuvres, and unforeseen twists, setting the stage for what promises to be an enthralling season. As the hammer fell repeatedly, franchises meticulously crafted their squads, with eyes firmly fixed on both proven performers and emerging talents.

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Deepti Sharma: The Record-Breaking Marquee Signing

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The undisputed highlight of the auction, and certainly the moment that grabbed headlines, was the fierce bidding war for India’s star all-rounder, Deepti Sharma. Initially, it seemed Delhi Capitals (DC) had secured a steal, winning her at her base price of Rs 50 lakh. However, the drama escalated rapidly as UP Warriorz (UPW), coached by Abhishek Nayar, exercised their Right-to-Match (RTM) card, igniting a bidding frenzy. Delhi Capitals responded with an audacious bid of Rs 3.2 crore, a testament to Sharma’s immense value. In a stunning turn of events that left Sourav Ganguly in the DC camp visibly ‘stunned’, UP Warriorz matched the bid, ultimately reclaiming their prized asset for a whopping Rs 3.2 crore.

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This record purchase underscores Deepti Sharma’s pivotal role in modern T20 cricket. As India’s ‘Women’s World Cup 2025 Player of the Tournament’, her all-round prowess – sharp off-spin and dependable lower-order batting – makes her an invaluable asset. For UP Warriorz, who entered the auction with the largest purse (Rs 14.5 crore) and a ‘massive rebuilding’ task, securing Sharma was a critical statement of intent, cementing a core Indian talent around whom they can build their campaign.

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Strategic Buys: Overseas Prowess and Indian Spin Dominance

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Beyond Deepti Sharma, several other players commanded significant attention and hefty price tags, illustrating clear team strategies:

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Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine: Sustained Overseas Value

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Mumbai Indians (MI), despite not retaining her, aggressively repurchased New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr for Rs 3 crore. This move highlights Kerr’s consistent all-round heroics and her importance to MI’s championship ambitions, having won the inaugural WPL in 2023 and the 2025 title. Similarly, New Zealand’s Sophie Devine became Gujarat Giants’ (GG) first big sale, fetching Rs 2 crore after a spirited bidding war with Delhi Capitals. These acquisitions underscore the premium placed on proven international all-rounders who can impact games with both bat and ball.

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Meg Lanning: Leadership and Experience to UPW

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In a fascinating shift, legendary Australian batter Meg Lanning, who captained DC to three WPL finals, was acquired by UP Warriorz for Rs 1.9 crore. This is a significant strategic coup for UPW, not just for Lanning’s batting prowess but for her unparalleled captaincy experience, which will be invaluable in guiding a revamped squad.

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Indian Spinners: The Hot Commodity

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The auction also saw a strong emphasis on Indian spinners, particularly those who were part of India’s ‘Women’s World Cup 2025-winning campaign’. Shree Charani was snapped up by Delhi Capitals for Rs 1.3 crore, while Asha Sobhana went to UP Warriorz for Rs 1.1 crore after a bidding war with RCB. Sneh Rana also joined DC for Rs 50 lakh, and Radha Yadav went to RCB for Rs 65 lakh. This trend signifies the increasing recognition of quality Indian spin talent and their ability to control the middle overs in T20 cricket.

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Unsold Shocks: The Auction’s Unpredictable Nature

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Perhaps the most ‘stunning turn of events’ for some fans came in the form of high-profile players going unsold, a stark reminder of the auction’s unforgiving nature and the complex interplay of team budgets, slots, and tactical choices:

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Alyssa Healy: The Biggest Surprise

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Australia’s experienced power-hitting opener and wicket-keeper, Alyssa Healy, went ‘UNSOLD’ at her base price of Rs 50 lakh, a ‘major shock’ that baffled many. Despite her credentials, franchises opted not to bid, possibly due to existing wicket-keeping options, age considerations, or focusing on other player types. This outcome reiterates that past performance, while important, doesn’t always guarantee a spot in the future WPL landscape.

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Uma Chetry: World Cup Winner Misses Out

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Another ‘pretty big shock’ was the unsold status of Uma Chetry, a player who was part of India’s ‘Women’s World Cup 2025-winning squad’. At a base price of Rs 50 lakh, her inability to attract an opening bid suggests teams had specific needs or perhaps rated other available options higher. This highlights the intense competition even among successful national team members.

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Several other notable names like Alana King, Saika Ishaque, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Grace Harris, Darcie Brown, Lauren Cheatle, Amy Jones, Izzy Gaze, and Tazmin Brits also found no takers, demonstrating the fine margins and strategic decisions at play.

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Team Building Dynamics: Purses, RTMs, and Player Slots

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The WPL 2026 Mega Auction showcased diverse team strategies, heavily influenced by their pre-auction purse values, retained players, and available Right-to-Match (RTM) options. Each team was allowed to build a squad of up to 18 players, with 73 slots (23 overseas) available across the five franchises.

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UP Warriorz’s Aggressive Rebuilding

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With the largest purse of Rs 14.5 crore and four RTM options, UP Warriorz engaged in a proactive rebuilding phase. Beyond Deepti Sharma and Meg Lanning, they secured Asha Sobhana (Rs 1.1 crore), young Australian batter Phoebe Litchfield (Rs 1.2 crore), and young Indian pacer Kranti Gaud (Rs 50 lakh, after an RTM). They also repurchased Sophie Ecclestone for Rs 85 lakh using their second RTM. Their strategy clearly leaned towards securing a strong core of both international and Indian talent.

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Delhi Capitals’ Measured Spending

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Having retained the maximum quota of five players, Delhi Capitals had no RTM options but entered with a respectable Rs 5.70 crore. They made significant early moves, securing South African opener Laura Wolvaardt (Rs 1.1 crore) and West Indian all-rounder Chinelle Henry (Rs 1.3 crore). Their pursuit of Indian spinners like Shree Charani and Sneh Rana, along with uncapped batter Deeya Yadav (Rs 10 lakh), showcased a balanced approach, despite having only Rs 1.1 crore and needing to fill seven more slots after initial buys.

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Mumbai Indians’ Championship Reinforcements

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As defending champions, Mumbai Indians aimed to ‘strengthen their squad and go for their third title’. Having retained five key players, they also had no RTMs but a purse of Rs 5.75 crore. Their key strategy involved buying back Amelia Kerr for Rs 3 crore and adding South African pacer Shabnim Ismail for Rs 60 lakh, maintaining a strong, experienced core.

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Strategic Acquisitions

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), with Rs 6.15 crore and one RTM, made their first buy with Australia’s Georgia Voll for Rs 60 lakh. They then splurged on English pacer Lauren Bell (Rs 90 lakh) and secured Indian spinner Radha Yadav (Rs 65 lakh). They strategically used their only RTM to repurchase uncapped all-rounder Prema Rawat for Rs 20 lakh, demonstrating a focus on both international impact players and nurturing Indian talent.

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Gujarat Giants’ Core Building

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Gujarat Giants, with Rs 9 crore and RTM options, built their squad around key all-rounders. Their significant buys included Sophie Devine (Rs 2 crore), India pacer Renuka Singh Thakur (Rs 60 lakh), and Indian spinner Titas Sadhu (Rs 30 lakh). They also used an RTM to secure Bharti Fulmali for Rs 70 lakh, showcasing their intent to build a competitive team.

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The Uncapped Gems and World Cup Winners

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The auction also shone a spotlight on ‘uncapped gems’ and India’s ‘Women’s World Cup 2025-winners’. Players like Kranti Gaud, a ‘vital cog’ in India’s World Cup campaign, were bought by UPW for Rs 50 lakh. The anticipation around young talents like Vaishnavi Sharma, who dominated the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, further highlighted the depth of talent available. The ‘uncapped players next’ phase was indeed ‘an exciting one’, with Deeya Yadav becoming the only uncapped batter sold, indicating that teams were selective but willing to invest in potential.

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Looking Ahead

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The WPL 2026 Mega Auction has reshaped the landscape of the Women’s Premier League. From the dramatic bidding for Deepti Sharma to the shocking unsold status of seasoned campaigners, the day was packed with strategic decisions that will undoubtedly influence the tournament’s trajectory. Teams have invested heavily in both established stars and promising youngsters, aiming to strike the perfect balance for WPL 2026. This breaking news analysis indicates that the stage is now set for an exhilarating season, where new combinations and revamped squads will battle for ultimate glory.

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Disclaimer: Cricket Mantra aggregates breaking cricket news from multiple reputable sources, enriching them with in-depth analysis and expert commentary to provide comprehensive coverage for our readers.

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}
{
“headline”: “WPL 2026 Mega Auction: Deepti Sharma’s Record-Breaking Saga & Unsold Shocks Define Day”,
“category”: “Women’s Cricket”,
“article”: “

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Mega Auction in Delhi concluded with a flurry of high-stakes bidding, strategic manoeuvres, and several ‘stunning turn of events’ that promise to reshape the competitive landscape of the tournament. Franchises meticulously pieced together their squads, balancing experience with emerging talent, all under the intense pressure of the auction gavel.

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Deepti Sharma: The Marquee All-Rounder’s Record-Breaking Saga

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The undisputed highlight of the auction was the intense and dramatic pursuit of star India all-rounder Deepti Sharma. Initially, it appeared Delhi Capitals (DC) had secured her for a mere Rs 50 lakh – her base price – a move that would have been the steal of the auction. However, the drama escalated rapidly when UP Warriorz (UPW), strategically positioned with the largest purse and RTM options, exercised their Right-to-Match (RTM) card. This triggered a fierce escalation, with Delhi Capitals bravely raising their bid to an astonishing Rs 3.2 crore. In a moment that left Sourav Ganguly in the DC camp visibly ‘stunned’, UP Warriorz, coached by Abhishek Nayar, matched the bid, ultimately reclaiming their prized asset for a record-shattering Rs 3.2 crore.

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This monumental purchase underscores Deepti Sharma’s immense value. As India’s ‘Women’s World Cup 2025 Player of the Tournament’, her contributions as a shrewd off-spinner and a capable lower-order batter are irreplaceable. For UP Warriorz, who entered the auction with a ‘whopping amount of Rs 14.5 crore’ and a ‘massive rebuilding’ task, securing Sharma was not just about talent acquisition but a clear strategic statement to build a formidable core around a proven Indian international.

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Strategic Acquisitions and Overseas Impact

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Beyond Deepti Sharma, several other players commanded significant attention, reflecting clear team building philosophies:

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Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine: Reinforcing All-Round Prowess

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Mumbai Indians (MI), the defending champions, showcased their commitment to retaining their core by aggressively repurchasing New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr for Rs 3 crore, despite not retaining her pre-auction. This move highlights Kerr’s consistent ‘all-round heroics’ in previous seasons and her crucial role in MI’s continued success. Similarly, New Zealand’s Sophie Devine became Gujarat Giants’ (GG) first ‘big sale’, fetching Rs 2 crore after a spirited bidding war with Delhi Capitals, emphasizing the premium placed on impactful overseas all-rounders.

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Meg Lanning’s Surprising Shift to UPW

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In a fascinating turn, legendary Australian batter Meg Lanning, who previously captained Delhi Capitals to ‘three WPL finals’, will now don UP Warriorz colours, sold for Rs 1.9 crore. This acquisition is a significant tactical move for UPW, bringing not only Lanning’s formidable batting but also her unparalleled leadership and strategic acumen, crucial for guiding a newly assembled squad.

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The Rise of Indian Spin Talent

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The auction also heavily favoured Indian spinners, particularly those who shone in India’s ‘Women’s World Cup 2025-winning campaign’. Shree Charani was a major pick for Delhi Capitals at Rs 1.3 crore, while Asha Sobhana commanded Rs 1.1 crore from UP Warriorz after a tussle with RCB. Sneh Rana also joined DC for Rs 50 lakh, and Radha Yadav went to RCB for Rs 65 lakh. This trend highlights the growing recognition of quality domestic spin talent and their ability to dictate terms in the T20 format.

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Unsold Shocks: The Unpredictable Nature of the Auction

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While some players soared, others faced the harsh reality of the auction table, with several high-profile names going unsold, underscoring the delicate balance of team budgets, squad composition, and strategic priorities.

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Alyssa Healy: The Auction’s Biggest Enigma

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Perhaps the most ‘major shock’ of the day was Australia’s experienced power-hitting opener and wicket-keeper Alyssa Healy going ‘UNSOLD’ at her base price of Rs 50 lakh. Despite her proven track record and international stature, franchises opted not to bid, which could be attributed to a combination of factors such as existing wicket-keeping options, age considerations, or a strategic focus on other player archetypes. Her unsold status will undoubtedly be a talking point for weeks to come.

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Uma Chetry: A World Cup Winner Misses Out

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Another ‘pretty big shock’ was the unsold status of Uma Chetry, a player who was part of India’s ‘Women’s World Cup 2025-winning squad’. At a base price of Rs 50 lakh, her inability to attract an opening bid demonstrates the intense competition and the subjective nature of auction dynamics, even for national heroes.

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Other notable international and domestic players who went unsold included Alana King, Saika Ishaque, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Grace Harris, Darcie Brown, Lauren Cheatle, Amy Jones, Izzy Gaze, and Tazmin Brits, reinforcing the notion that even top talent isn’t guaranteed a spot in the WPL.

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Team Building Strategies: A Glimpse into WPL 2026 Contenders

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The WPL 2026 Mega Auction provided a clear insight into each franchise’s strategic approach, shaped by their retained players, available purses, and RTM options. Teams could build a squad of up to 18 players, with 73 slots (23 overseas) available.

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UP Warriorz’s Aggressive Rebuilding

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With their substantial purse, UP Warriorz engaged in aggressive bidding. Besides Deepti Sharma and Meg Lanning, they secured Phoebe Litchfield (Rs 1.2 crore) and Indian pacer Kranti Gaud (Rs 50 lakh via RTM). They also used an RTM to bring back Sophie Ecclestone for Rs 85 lakh, demonstrating a clear intent to build a formidable and balanced squad.

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Delhi Capitals’ Calculated Spending

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Having retained the maximum five players, Delhi Capitals had no RTMs but a respectable purse of Rs 5.70 crore. They made impactful early buys with Laura Wolvaardt (Rs 1.1 crore) and West Indian all-rounder Chinelle Henry (Rs 1.3 crore). Their focus on Indian spinners like Shree Charani and Sneh Rana, alongside uncapped batter Deeya Yadav (Rs 10 lakh), showed a strategy to secure a strong Indian core despite their limited remaining purse and slots.

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Mumbai Indians’ Championship Reinforcements

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The defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) aimed to further ‘strengthen their squad’ with their Rs 5.75 crore purse. Their key moves included buying back Amelia Kerr for Rs 3 crore and adding South African speedster Shabnim Ismail for Rs 60 lakh, ensuring their core strength remains intact for a potential ‘third title’.

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Targeted Additions

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), with Rs 6.15 crore and one RTM, began by securing Australia’s Georgia Voll for Rs 60 lakh. They then significantly invested in English pacer Lauren Bell (Rs 90 lakh) and Indian spinner Radha Yadav (Rs 65 lakh). Their use of the RTM to repurchase uncapped all-rounder Prema Rawat for Rs 20 lakh highlighted a balanced approach to both international impact and nurturing domestic talent.

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Gujarat Giants’ Focus on All-Rounders and Pacers

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Gujarat Giants, with Rs 9 crore, built their squad around key all-rounders and pacers. Sophie Devine (Rs 2 crore) was a cornerstone, complemented by India pacer Renuka Singh Thakur (Rs 60 lakh) and Indian spinner Titas Sadhu (Rs 30 lakh). They also utilized an RTM to bring in Bharti Fulmali for Rs 70 lakh, aiming to construct a competitive and resilient team.

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The Uncapped Revolution and World Cup Winners in Focus

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The auction also highlighted the growing emphasis on Indian talent, particularly the ’10 Indian players who won the Women’s World Cup 2025′. While Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani fetched big bids, the unsold status of Uma Chetry shows the unpredictability. Young talents like Kranti Gaud, a ‘vital cog’ in India’s World Cup campaign, were picked up, and the excitement around ‘uncapped gems’ such as Vaishnavi Sharma, who dominated the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, indicates a promising future for Indian women’s cricket. The ‘uncapped players next’ phase was indeed ‘an exciting one’, with franchises looking to unearth future stars.

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Conclusion: A New Era for WPL 2026

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The WPL 2026 Mega Auction has profoundly reshaped the league. From the gripping drama surrounding Deepti Sharma’s record bid to the surprising unsold fates of seasoned international stars, the auction was a masterclass in strategic team building. Franchises have made their statements, balancing experience with potential, and the stage is now set for what promises to be an electrifying WPL 2026 season. These new combinations and refreshed squads will undoubtedly bring fresh narratives and intense competition, marking a new chapter in women’s T20 cricket.

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Disclaimer: Cricket Mantra aggregates breaking cricket news from multiple reputable sources, enriching them with in-depth analysis and expert commentary to provide comprehensive coverage for our readers.