WPL 2026 auction: List of 44 Indian cricketers who earned contracts

The 2026 Women’s Premier League auction saw Indian talent take the spotlight, with 44 Indian players getting contracts. Deepti Sharma became the most expensive Indian pick, with UP Warriorz signing her for INR 3.20 crore. The focus was on strengthening the teams, with standout players like Shree Charani, Shikha Pandey, and Harleen Deol attracting bids. Mumbai Indians secured Amelia Kerr for Rs 3 crore, showing the value of top all-rounders.

Surprisingly, Alyssa Healy and Alana King went unsold, but the auction reaffirmed India’s dominance in the WPL, with franchises prioritizing homegrown talent to build competitive squads for the upcoming season.

Delhi Capitals – 7 Indian picks in auction

With a tight budget, Delhi Capitals made smart and value-driven picks at the auction. They brought back Shree Charani and Minnu Mani, added Taniyaa Bhatia to boost wicketkeeping, and strengthened their bench with uncapped domestic players like Nandini Sharma and Mamatha Madiwala.

Gujarat Giants – 12 Indian players signed

Gujarat Giants, with one of the highest budgets, focused on creating a balanced squad, alongside stars like Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney. Although GG added Indian players, they overlooked middle-order options. Nevertheless, they focused on acquiring experienced talent and added promising uncapped players to their squad.

Mumbai Indians – 7 Indian players signed

Mumbai Indians focused on signing their core players, including Sajeevan Sajana and Saika Ishaque. The franchise also made targeted investments in promising uncapped players, aiming for continuity and future development. The two-time champions wanted to secure the present while building for long-term growth.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 7 Indian players signed

Sophie Devine’s departure saw RCB quickly focus on strengthening their all-rounder department. The acquisitions of capped internationals Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, and Radha Yadav demonstrate their commitment to building a balanced squad. They also expanded their options by adding uncapped players, including Prema Rawat (retained via RTM), who could take on a larger role, especially in spin bowling.

UP Warriorz – 11 Indian players signed

UP Warriorz approached the auction with a bold and winning mindset. Securing Deepti Sharma on RTM was their biggest priority, and they followed it by adding Shikha Pandey for leadership and experience. Harleen Deol and Kiran Navgire will provide strength and versatility. In terms of specialists, Asha Sobhana brings crucial leg-spin depth, while Pratika Rawal is one of the performers.

Among the uncapped selections, Gongadi Trisha — the U-19 T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament — stands out as one of the brightest long-term prospects in the league.