By Trisha Ghosal
India finally ended their ICC trophy drought earlier this month, lifting their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup. Among the champions, Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh have been retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru; Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma stay with Delhi Capitals; and Harmanpreet Kaur and Amanjot Kaur remain at Mumbai Indians. The rest of India’s World Cup heroes will go under the hammer at the WPL 2026 mega auction. Here’s a closer look at the players and an analysis of which teams are best placed to secure them.
Deepti Sharma (₹50 lakh): Expect a bidding war
Deepti Sharma has been on a remarkable run since WPL 2025, particularly with the bat. With the ball, she has long been reliable, capable of delivering in both the powerplay and the death overs. Earlier, batting at No. 8, she was one-dimensional and often too slow, with big hitting not quite her strength. All of that changed in WPL 2025, where she transformed into a confident finisher who could clear the ropes at will. RCB and MI already have strong finishers, Richa and Amanjot and have Shreyanka Patil and Hayley Matthews for off-spin. GG have Ashleigh Gardner for the same role.
This makes DC and Deepti’s former team, UPW, the most likely contenders. UPW need a leader and multi-skilled all-rounders. Deepti has spoken about how Lisa Sthalekar’s backing in WPL 2025 helped her immensely. And that mentor–player bond could easily continue, based on whether UPW will buy her or use their RTM. DC, too, will definitely enter the race. They have long needed a dependable lower-order batter who can bowl pressure overs. With Annabel Sutherland and Marizanne Kapp retained, plus three non-bowling stars, DC will look for a spin-bowling all-rounder. Expect a bidding war between UPW and DC for India’s 2025 World Cup Player of the Tournament.
Harleen Deol (₹50 lakh): Solid but base price may deter teams
Harleen Deol played an important role for GG last season. She takes time to settle before accelerating, is an excellent fielder, but does not bowl, so she is primarily a pure middle-order batter. While she adds solidity, her base price is slightly steep for what she offers. A bidding war is unlikely. GG, her former team, and UPW are the most probable suitors.
Uma Chetry (₹50 lakh): Keeper market needs clarity
Almost every side needs a backup wicketkeeper, and UPW and DC are the two teams in genuine need. Uma Chetry is a sound keeper and can hit big, but her batting inconsistency and high base price may work against her. The other teams already have backup keepers and may not invest ₹50 lakh in a reserve option. Realistically, UPW and DC remain her likeliest buyers.
Kranti Gaud (₹50 lakh): Hot property among Indian pacers
Kranti Gaud had an impressive WPL last year, followed by a breakthrough series in England and an outstanding home World Cup. Every team wants quality Indian pace, and Kranti offers inswing, yorkers, bouncers and genuine pace. She can be expensive but, used as a wicket-taking option rather than a containment bowler, she is invaluable. MI will surely pursue her, Harmanpreet relied heavily on Kranti for wickets during the World Cup, and MI traditionally invest in young Indian talent who can become long-term core players. GG have long struggled with Indian pace and will be keen to address that by targeting Kranti as well.
Pratika Rawal (₹50 lakh): A tricky case
Pratika’s recent injury, her batting style and her high base price all count against her. A team looking for a backup opener may pick her in the accelerated round, but otherwise, earning a bid may be difficult.
Renuka Singh (₹40 lakh): Still a pure powerplay specialist
Renuka Singh brings valuable powerplay swing, though she struggles at the death. MI have Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amanjot Kaur, but they need a reliable death-overs specialist. With Sciver-Brunt and Matthews able to handle the new ball and Amanjot as first change, MI are unlikely to invest in Renuka. RCB, her former team, could definitely be interested. DC, with Kapp and Sutherland already retained, are unlikely bidders. GG and UPW, both rebuilding, will almost certainly go for Renuka as a high-quality Indian pacer.
Sneh Rana (₹30 lakh): Rising value after World Cup
Sneh Rana has boosted her stock with her aggressive batting during the World Cup and could trigger a mild bidding war. DC and UPW should both be keen. She offers brisk late-order runs, bowls with the new ball and has a knack for breaking partnerships, exactly the kind of multidimensional skill set teams value.
Sree Charani (₹30 lakh): One of the auction’s most in-demand players
Like Kranti Gaud, Sree Charani has enjoyed a breakout year. Her spin is refreshingly traditional, big revs on the ball rather than a bag of variations and she was superb in the World Cup middle overs. DC will absolutely want her back, but having retained five players means they have no RTM card left. That makes reclaiming Charani difficult. UPW and GG, the two teams with the highest purse and the most rebuilding to do, are the strongest contenders. One could land Charani, while the other secures Sophie Ecclestone.
Radha Yadav (₹30 lakh): Dependable and affordable
Radha Yadav is a useful all-round package, and her base price helps her case. RCB could target her, and any side needing a backup spin-bowling all-rounder is likely to show interest.
Arundhati Reddy (₹30 lakh): A smart buy for teams needing balance
Arundhati Reddy offers medium pace, variations and lower-order ability, an attractive combination for teams seeking an Indian pacer who can bat. GG and UPW are likely to be particularly interested. Reports of her improved bowling in the nets will add to her appeal. She is also a strong boundary fielder and a safe catcher. RCB may also look to enter the race.
With just three days to go for the WPL 2026 mega auction, the tension and excitement are rising among players and fans alike.
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