WPL 2026 Auction: 5 Indian players who can start fierce bidding wars

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The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Mega Auction is set to take place on November 27 in New Delhi, and while overseas superstars like Laura Wolvaardt and Sophie Ecclestone will attract attention, the foundation of every championship-winning side is its Indian core.

With only 50 Indian slots to fill across five teams from a pool of 194 players, the demand for proven, high-utility Indian match-winners is exceptionally high. Coming off a historic ODI World Cup victory, several Indian stars are hitting the auction at the peak of their careers. Franchises like UP Warriorz, who have the biggest purse, will be looking to aggressively build their domestic spine.

1. Deepti Sharma (All-rounder)

The auction magnet: Deepti enters the auction as arguably the most valuable player in the entire pool, Indian or overseas. Her release by UP Warriorz was a strategic move that has now given every other franchise a shot at acquiring a world-class, multi-format player. Not only are her WPL numbers impressive (consistent runs and nearly 30 wickets), but her recent form is phenomenal, having been crowned Player of the Tournament in the recent ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. She provides reliable off-spin, middle-order stability, and a leadership presence. Given her all-round skills and current pedigree, expect Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and her former team, UPW, to enter a relentless bidding war for her services.

2. Renuka Singh Thakur (Pace bowler)

The powerplay specialist: Renuka is a fast bowler who can swing the new ball and is one of the few genuine strike seamers India has produced. Her WPL statistics might not fully reflect her value, as she has often played on spin-friendly tracks. However, she has been placed in the marquee set and her reputation as an international star is immense. Renuka is a vital component for any team looking for an Indian pace spearhead, especially one who can deliver early breakthroughs. RCB don’t have a Right To Match (RTM) card and, with their need for bowling depth alongside Ellyse Perry, they are highly likely to activate it if another team drives up her price. Similarly, other teams like UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants will battle for this rare Indian pace asset.

3. Radha Yadav (Spin bowler/lower-order bat)

The left-arm advantage: Radha is a quality slow left-arm orthodox spinner who offers immense value in the T20 format. She was Delhi Capitals’ second-highest wicket-taker in WPL 2024, proving her mettle in a star-studded bowling unit. Crucially, the combination of her left-arm spin and electric fielding makes her a sought-after utility player. While DC have a tight budget, the need for a quality Indian spinner and her history with the franchise could see them try to get her back, possibly using an RTM if they had one (which they don’t, having retained five players). Her base price is manageable, making her an attractive target for all teams, particularly those looking to load up on Indian spin resources.

Also READ: WPL 2026: 3 franchises that can target Pratika Rawal in the Women’s Premier League mega-auction

4. Kranti Gaud (Pace bowler)

The uncapped sensation: Kranti represents the massive potential often uncovered in the WPL. Though she played limited matches, her ability to pick up key wickets, including a four-wicket haul, proved her pedigree. Furthermore, her inclusion in India’s World Cup-winning squad highlights her rising stock and current form. She is a capped Indian player this year, and her base price of ₹50 lakh reflects the growing expectation around her. Teams looking for a younger Indian pace option with high upside, particularly those with deep pockets like Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz, will likely push her price well beyond her base value.

5. N Shree Charani (Spin bowler)

The High-Impact Rookie: Sree Charani is the definition of a high-impact, low-WPL-experience player who has recently exploded onto the international scene. Despite playing only two WPL games, she delivered match-winning performances for India in the recent World Cup, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker for the team. A young, left-arm spinner, she possesses the mystery and confidence of a match-winner. Her previous franchise, DC, might struggle to re-acquire her due to their limited purse, which opens the door for UP Warriorz and Mumbai Indians to aggressively target her. She is a long-term investment who could provide immediate returns.

Also READ: WPL 2026: 3 franchises that can target Deepti Sharma in the mega auction

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.