Five Indian players set to trigger major bidding wars at WPL 2026 auction

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction is scheduled for Thursday, November 27 and is expected to be a highly competitive event due to the need for a solid Indian core. Following the national team’s remarkable victory in the ODI World Cup, a large number of domestic talents are entering the auction pool after being released, significantly increasing their market value.

Franchises, especially UP Warriorz (which has the largest budget) and Gujarat Giants (which has three Right to Match cards), are expected to be proactive in buying these five Indian match winners, who are likely to attract unprecedented offers.

1. Deepti Sharma (Versatile)

Perhaps the most prominent Indian name in the auction is Deepti. After being released by UP Warriorz, he is being tendered as the new Player of the Tournament in the ODI World Cup, where he has excelled with both bat and ball. His blend of aggressive lower-order batting, sharp spins and established leadership experience makes him an all-rounder that every team desires. Expect bidding to start at a high level and remain competitive.

2. Harleen Deol (Batsman/Part-Time Spin)

Gujarat Giants’ decision to let go of Harleen came as a huge shock. He is an all-round middle-order batsman who is known for his clean batting and exceptional fielding skills. Franchises lacking a reliable homegrown No. 3 or 4 will likely pursue him vigorously, seeing him as a stabilizing anchor who could also step up pitching. Her value is on par with the high retention offers made for Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma.

3. Renuka Singh Thakur (Accelerator)

A fast bowler with the ability to swing the new ball, Renuka remains the most experienced Indian pace option available in the auction. Although his economy rate has caused some concerns in the WPL, his international experience and ability to take early wickets are invaluable assets. While teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who released him earlier, may consider using RTM cards, UPW will be keen to secure a front-line Indian pacer.

4. Kiran Navgire (Hard Hitting Batsman)

Navgire delivers pure, unfiltered power. The domestic T20’s performance is almost unbelievable, with a strike rate of over 235. Navgire offers a unique and explosive domestic selection for teams needing a dynamic finisher in the middle order (a position often occupied by overseas players). His innate ability to break boundaries will spark an instant bidding frenzy among teams looking for a vital accelerator.

5. Pratika Rawal (Young Batting Talent)

Rawal is seen as the investment choice. A standout performer in India’s World Cup journey, he symbolizes the next generation of homegrown talent. Franchises aiming to build a sustainable core for the next five seasons are likely to make significant bids for Rawal, acknowledging that they have secured a future Indian star before his market value potentially rises.

The auction will be more than just a battle of high bids; It will turn into a high-stakes strategic game that will see these key Indian players meet the team’s needs and strengthen their championship ambitions.

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