The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction, which took place on the 27th of November located in New Delhi, delivered high tension as five teams -five – UP Warriorz, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Giants — fought to make changes to their squads.A huge collection of 277 participants (194 Indian, 83 overseas) took on just 73 places, setting the scene for a fierce bidding battle all over the world.

The biggest news item of the day was Deepti Sharma who was the most expensive player of the auction, with Rs3.2 crore and was a part of in the UP Warriorz. It was a surprise that Australian legend Alyssa Healy was not sold with fans left stunned.

With star power, new talents and strategic choices put in place WPL 2026 will begin in the morning of September 9th and will see Mumbai and Vadodara playing host to the opening matches. A packed crowd and a high-energy game are anticipated right at the start of the tournament.

Below is a complete overview of how each of the five teams performed.

Mumbai Indians

Although they started this auction having one of the lowest payouts, Mumbai Indians once again showed their certainty and clarity. Let the go-ahead for Amelia Kerr had some people in awe however MI quickly brought the actress back to auction for 3 crore rupees which made clear that she’s an integral element of their long-term strategy.

They have also strengthened their foundation that won them the title by signing Sajeevan Sjana Shabnim Ismail and Saika Ishaque, continuing the tradition that has been the foundation of their previous success.

In classic MI style, they targeted experienced multi-skilled players — none bigger than Nicola Carey, a proven all-rounder with over 140 WBBL games, 145 wickets, and more than 1,800 runs. Her addition gives MI reliability in all departments.

With solid batting depth, a sharp bowling lineup, and a strong group of all-rounders, MI leave the auction with a squad that looks balanced, flexible, and ready to compete for another title.

Best Playing XI

Hayley Matthews, G Kamalini (wk), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Amelia Kerr, Sajeevan Sajana, Amanjot Kaur, Nicola Carey, Sanskriti Gupta, Saika Ishaque, Shabnim Ismail

Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals enter WPL 2026 with one big puzzle — who will take over the captaincy after Meg Lanning’s retirement?
Two names stand out:

• Laura Wolvaardt, who impressed with her smart leadership at the World Cup
• Jemimah Rodrigues, a natural communicator and long-time DC pillar

At the auction, DC showed bravery and precision. Their big buys — Wolvaardt, Shree Charani, Chinelle Henry — strengthen their side across all phases. Charani, fresh from a breakout World Cup, pairs beautifully with Sneh Rana and Minnu Mani, giving DC a dangerous spin trio. Henry adds middle-order aggression and holds the record for one of the fastest WPL fifties.

The return of Taniya Bhatia ensures safe keeping options, while Lizelle Lee, coming off back-to-back WBBL centuries, adds immediate power at the top.

Their pace unit also got younger and sharper with Lucy Hamilton, while 16-year-old Deeya Yadav represents a promising long-term investment.

Limited purse, smart execution — DC built a squad that feels balanced, aggressive, and future-ready.

Best Playing XI

Laura Wolvaardt, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Niki Prasad, Annabel Sutherland, Mamatha Madiwala (wk), Marizanne Kapp, Chenille Henry, Sneh Rana, Minnu Mani, Shree Charani

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

RCB might not have gone for flashy buys, but they left the auction with exactly what they needed — experienced internationals who fit their system.

Their batting was strengthened significantly with Grace Harris, Georgia Voll and Nadine de Klerk. Voll, who smashed a 99 in last season’s WPL, brings both consistency and hitting power. De Klerk, recently outstanding in the World Cup, adds depth with her all-round abilities.

Their pace attack looks steady with Arundhati Reddy, Pooja Vastrakar and Lauren Bell. In spin, Radha Yadav, Linsey Smith, and rising star Shreyanka Patil form a strong unit.

RCB also made a smart call by using the RTM card to bring back Prema Rawat, ensuring their bench strength stays intact.

Overall, RCB’s squad feels mature, competitive, and balanced — now it’s about delivering on the field.

Best Playing XI

Smriti Mandhana (C), Georgia Voll/Grace Harris, Ellyse Perry, Dayalan Hemalatha, Richa Ghosh (wk), Nadine de Klerk, Pooja Vastrakar, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Lauren Bell/Linsey Smith

UP Warriorz

UP Warriorz came into the auction with a clear plan — build a team overflowing with experience and power. Their first major move was addressing leadership after releasing Alyssa Healy. The combination of Meg Lanning and Deepti Sharma quickly solved that.

Lanning, though retired from international cricket, signaled top form with a recent WBBL century. Deepti, meanwhile, arrived as the costliest player of the auction after her brilliant World Cup campaign.

Their batting lineup looks ruthless with Phoebe Litchfield and Deandra Dottin, both capable of dominating attacks. UPW also used RTM to bring back Kiran Navgire, known for the fastest 30-ball century in women’s T20s.

Their bowling received a huge boost with Sophie Ecclestone, one of the world’s top spinners, secured at a bargain price of ₹85 lakhs. With Shikha Pandey, Kranti Goud, Tara Norris, and rising talent Gongadi Trisha, UPW now have one of the most complete squads.

Best Playing XI

Kiran Navgire, Meg Lanning, Deandra Dottin, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Phoebe Litchfield, Shipra Giri (wk), Sophie Ecclestone, Shikha Pandey, Tara Norris, Kranti Goud

Gujarat Giants

Gujarat Giants once again face familiar challenges. Despite starting strong by retaining Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner, their auction execution fell short of maximizing their purse.

They still rely heavily on senior players like Sophie Devine, though her recent inconsistency and T20I retirement raise concerns. Yastika Bhatia’s fitness issues add further uncertainty.

The middle order appears thin, though Bharati Fulmali and Kanika Ahuja offer boundary-hitting options. Their pace attack will depend on Renuka Singh and Kashvee Gautam, with support from Titas Sadhu and Kim Garth.

In spin, Tanuja Kanwer, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Gardner remain key.

The Giants have potential, but they need several players to fire together if they want to challenge the top teams.

Best Playing XI

Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Ashleigh Gardner (C), Bharati Fulmali, Kanika Ahuja, Kashvee Gautam, Georgia Wareham, Renuka Singh, Tanuja Kanwar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad

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