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The WPL 2026 Mega Auction marked one of the most competitive and financially intense days in the league’s short history, driven by a unique combination of major player releases and the introduction of the Right to Match (RTM) cards.
With multiple high-profile Indian and overseas players entering the auction after teams hit their retention caps, franchises were forced into aggressive, strategically calculated bidding. The scarcity of experienced Indian all-rounders, frontline pacers, and overseas match-winners significantly pushed player valuations upward. The presence of UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants with large purse balances ensured continuous escalation across categories, adding pressure on teams with tighter budgets.
As expected, demand remained highest for all-rounders and top-order batters, with several players surpassing the 1-crore mark within seconds of bidding opening. The impact of India’s recent Women’s ODI World Cup campaign was also evident, with top performers commanding premium prices.
The WPL 2026 auction also highlighted teams’ long-term planning, particularly with regard to leadership roles and squad balance. In this context, the top 10 most expensive signings offer a clear view of the league’s evolving priorities. Their final prices reflect both immediate team needs and broader competitive dynamics across the WPL ecosystem.
WPL 2026 Mega Auction: 10 most expensive buys that redefined team strategies
1. Deepti Sharma – ₹3.20 Crore – UP Warriorz (RTM)
The bidding war for Deepti Sharma was the most defining moment of the WPL 2026 Mega Auction, instantly setting the tone for how aggressively teams valued elite Indian all-rounders. Her name triggered immediate and sustained interest from multiple franchises, with Delhi Capitals pushing the price deep into record-breaking territory.
Deepti’s dominance across formats, her World Cup Player of the Tournament performance, and her dual ability to control the game with bat and ball elevated her status as the most complete Indian cricketer available.
UP Warriorz, who had strategically released her only to test market inflation, executed their Right to Match (RTM) at ₹3.20 crore, reclaiming the cornerstone of their squad. This move reinforced UPW’s commitment to rebuilding around a dependable, experienced Indian all-rounder capable of altering matches in every phase-powerplay, middle overs, and death.
2. Amelia Kerr – ₹3.00 Crore – Mumbai Indians
Amelia Kerr’s auction moment underlined the enormous premium placed on world-class overseas all-rounders capable of influencing both batting and spin-bowling departments. Released due to retention restrictions, she became a priority target for every franchise that needed a dependable, multi-skilled T20 performer.
The bidding escalated rapidly between Mumbai Indians and UP Warriorz, fuelled by Kerr’s rapid development as one of the most consistent leg-spinners in women’s cricket. MI’s willingness to push the price all the way to ₹3.00 crore in WPL 2026 auction signaled their intention to re-establish their championship DNA.
Her return ensures stability in MI’s bowling core, strong finishing ability in the lower middle order, and a leader-like presence in high-pressure moments. This buy reaffirmed MI’s strategy to retain a familiar spine even within a mega auction reset.
3. Shikha Pandey – ₹2.40 Crore – UP Warriorz
Shikha Pandey’s dramatic rise in WPL 2026 auction to ₹2.40 crore showcased the deep scarcity of experienced Indian fast bowlers in the auction pool. Her ability to swing the new ball, provide discipline in the powerplay, and bowl smart defensive overs in the back end made her an invaluable fit for teams lacking Indian pace depth.
UP Warriorz, recognizing this shortage, aggressively pushed for her acquisition, seeing her as a stabilizing presence in a largely rebuilt squad. Her leadership qualities, control under pressure, and revived form made her a strong tactical addition, especially for a franchise aiming to balance spin-heavy strategies with a reliable seam attack. Securing Pandey at such a premium underscored UPW’s intent to build a seasoned, Indian-led bowling unit around which they can structure their overseas picks.
4. Sophie Devine – ₹2.00 Crore – Gujarat Giants
The contest for Sophie Devine reflected her long-standing reputation as one of the most dependable, high-impact T20 all-rounders in the world. As a destructive opener, medium-pace option, and natural leader, she addressed multiple squad requirements simultaneously.
Gujarat Giants, undergoing a major restructuring after releasing a large portion of their roster, viewed her as a foundational pillar for both stability and aggression. Their successful ₹2.00 crore bid in WPL 2026 auction overtook strong interest from Delhi Capitals, securing them a proven match-winner capable of dictating the tempo of the game from ball one.
Devine’s acquisition strengthens the franchise’s tactical flexibility—providing powerplay explosiveness, middle-order insurance, and experience in pressure environments that younger squads typically lack.
5. Meg Lanning – ₹1.90 Crore – UP Warriorz
Meg Lanning’s availability created one of the most emotionally charged and strategically intense bidding moments of the auction. As the architect of Delhi Capitals’ sustained dominance and one of the most successful captains in cricket history, her release shocked the league and instantly made her the most valuable leadership asset available.
UP Warriorz, determined to establish a new era anchored by high-quality decision-making and top-order reliability, entered a bidding war with DC that reflected deep rivalry and strategic narrative. At ₹1.90 crore, UPW secured in WPL 2026 auction not only a world-class batter but also a proven captain whose tactical intelligence can reshape an entire franchise’s identity. Her presence brings clarity to both team structure and leadership hierarchy, making her one of the most impactful signings of the day.
6. Chinelle Henry – ₹1.30 Crore – Delhi Capitals
Chinelle Henry’s acquisition highlighted the rising importance of versatile overseas all-rounders who offer both finishing strength and seam-bowling value. Entering the auction at a modest base price, she quickly became a contested target among multiple franchises due to her explosive middle-order hitting and ability to deliver in short, impactful bowling spells.
Delhi Capitals, needing to reinforce their lower-order after significant roster changes, pushed decisively to ₹1.30 crore in WPL 2026 auction, securing a player who strengthens their depth and allows greater freedom for their top-order stars. Henry’s physicality, adaptability, and temperament under pressure position her as a crucial balancing component in DC’s restructured lineup, particularly in matches where dynamic finishing is required.
7. N. Charani – ₹1.30 Crore – Delhi Capitals
Nallapureddy Sree Charani emerged as the most surprising and analytically driven domestic bidding surge of the auction. Despite being uncapped, her rising stock in domestic circuits, reputation as a multi-dimensional player, and projected long-term value sparked an aggressive duel between franchises.
Delhi Capitals ultimately prevailed at ₹1.30 crore in WPL 2026 auction, indicating their forward-looking focus on developing high-potential Indian talents. Charani’s ability to contribute across departments—particularly her emerging all-round skill set—positions her as a developmental asset who can evolve into a frontline contributor. DC’s investment reflects a broader league trend: the increasing importance of securing elite domestic talent early, especially with overseas caps restricting the flexibility of team combinations.
8. Phoebe Litchfield – ₹1.20 Crore – UP Warriorz
Phoebe Litchfield’s rise in global T20 leagues made her one of the most sought-after young overseas batters in the auction. Her fearless approach, technically refined stroke-play, and adaptability across positions made her ideal for teams restructuring their top order.
UP Warriorz, having already secured Meg Lanning, continued consolidating a future-proofed batting lineup by pushing their bid to ₹1.20 crore in WPL 2026 auction. Litchfield’s signing brings both present-day firepower and long-term stability, enhancing UPW’s ability to control innings phases with consistency. Her blend of composure, range-hitting, and match awareness elevates UPW’s batting flexibility, complementing their experienced core while injecting youthful dynamism.
9. Laura Wolvaardt – ₹1.10 Crore – Delhi Capitals
Laura Wolvaardt, renowned for her classical batting technique and exceptional consistency, became the preferred choice for teams seeking a reliable top-order anchor following the release of several marquee batters. The bidding contest between RCB and DC reflected her premium value as a stabilizer in high-pressure chases and platform-builder in first-innings scenarios.
Delhi Capitals, adjusting to the departure of Meg Lanning, prioritized securing a technically sound opener who can both absorb early pressure and accelerate once set. Acquiring Wolvaardt for ₹1.10 crore in WPL 2026 auction provided them with exactly that—a composed, world-class presence at the top who ensures predictability and structure in their batting strategy, preserving their trademark aggressive middle-order freedom.
10. Asha Sobhana – ₹1.10 Crore – UP Warriorz
Asha Sobhana’s ascent past the ₹1 crore mark underscored the immense premium on experienced Indian spinners capable of executing in T20 scenarios. Her previous WPL seasons had already showcased her match-winning potential, combining sharp leg-spin with crucial lower-order contributions.
As teams recognized the limited availability of Indian spin-bowling match-winners in the pool, bidding intensified rapidly. UP Warriorz ultimately secured her for ₹1.10 crore in WPL 2026 auction, adding depth and reliability to their spin unit while reinforcing their broader strategy of building a strong Indian bowling core. Asha’s presence offers tactical advantages across conditions-especially on slower surfaces-ensuring UPW maintains control in the middle overs while possessing a wicket-taking threat at all times.
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