Deepti Sharma Becomes Most Expensive Player: at WPL 2026 Auction, Secured by UP Warriorz for ₹3.2 Cr

WPL Deepti Sharma Becomes Most Expensive Player, secured by UP Warriorz for a massive ₹3.2 Cr using the RTM card. Read about the top 10 player bids!

Deepti Sharma Tops WPL 2026 Auction: UP Warriorz Pay ₹3.2 Crore to RTM All-Round Star in Mega Bidding War

New Delhi: The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Mega Auction, held in New Delhi, delivered high-octane drama and strategic bidding, reshaping the landscape of all five franchises. The headline moment belonged to star Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma, who triggered an intense bidding war before ultimately returning to the UP Warriorz (UPW) after they successfully used their Right to Match (RTM) card for a staggering ₹3.2 crore.

The price tag makes Deepti the joint second-most expensive player in WPL history, matching the figures fetched by Ashleigh Gardner and Nat Sciver-Brunt in previous editions, and trailing only Smriti Mandhana’s inaugural auction record. The investment underscores the immense value teams place on world-class, multi-utility Indian talent, especially in a league with strict caps on overseas players.

The Rise of the All-Rounders: Kerr and Devine Command High Value

The auction reinforced the premium placed on versatile all-rounders capable of dominating with both bat and ball. Hot on Deepti’s heels was New Zealand sensation Amelia Kerr, who was snapped up by Mumbai Indians (MI) for a massive ₹3.0 crore. Kerr, a consistently outstanding performer in the WPL, was the subject of fierce bidding that showcased MI’s resolve to retain her match-winning services and reinforce their core.

Similarly, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine became the most expensive buy for Gujarat Giants (GG), commanding a winning bid of ₹2.0 crore. Gujarat, who had made minimal retentions, showed their intent early on by securing the explosive opener and medium-pacer, hoping Devine can provide the leadership and firepower needed for a deep run in the tournament.

UP Warriorz’s Calculated Mega Spree

UP Warriorz, who entered the auction with the biggest purse and four RTM cards, emerged as the most aggressive and strategic bidders of the day, securing five players in the top ten list.

Beyond Deepti Sharma, UPW made another major splash for Indian pacer Shikha Pandey, winning a hotly contested battle for ₹2.4 crore. Her experience and ability to swing the new ball make her a crucial addition to the pace attack.

The franchise also added serious international quality by acquiring former Australian captain Meg Lanning for ₹1.9 crore. Lanning, who led Delhi Capitals to three consecutive WPL finals, provides invaluable leadership and rock-solid batting prowess, a clear statement of UPW’s title ambitions. They further bolstered their squad with promising Australian batter Phoebe Litchfield for ₹1.2 crore and leg-spinner Asha Sobhana for ₹1.1 crore, highlighting a strategy focused on proven winners and high-potential youth.

Delhi Capitals and Other Strategic Buys

While Delhi Capitals (DC) missed out on Deepti Sharma, they executed crucial strategic purchases to strengthen their squad depth. South African opener Laura Wolvaardt went to DC for ₹1.1 crore, giving them an explosive option at the top of the order.

In a surprise turn, DC also successfully bid big on West Indies all-rounder Chinelle Henry (₹1.3 crore) and Indian domestic star Sree Charani (₹1.3 crore), proving they were willing to spend significantly to fill key slots.

Elsewhere, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made a crucial overseas acquisition, bringing in English pacer Lauren Bell for ₹90 lakh to bolster their bowling attack. Gujarat Giants rounded off their marquee shopping by securing Australian all-rounder Georgia Wareham for ₹1.0 crore.

The Big Surprise

The auction was not without its shocks. The biggest surprise of the day was the fate of legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batter and current World Cup-winning captain, Alyssa Healy, who went unsold in the initial rounds. Her omission underscored the calculated risks and intense focus on specific team roles and purse management that defined the WPL 2026 Mega Auction.

The completed squads now set the stage for an electrifying new season, with the franchises strategically balanced between retained stars and high-value new acquisitions.

Top 10 Most Expensive Players at WPL 2026 Auction

Deepti Sharma Becomes Most Expensive Player