Overview:
Australia's Illingworth, a fast bowler consistently hitting speeds over 115 kmph, admires Shabnim Ismail and will share the field with her this year.
The WPL has earned a reputation for nurturing rising talent, and the 2026 season is expected to highlight the future of Indian cricket. Whether it’s a teenage run-scorer, a powerful middle-order hitter, a late-blooming domestic talent, or a pace bowler with batting flair, here are five fresh faces to follow.
Deeya Yadav, Delhi Capitals
Deeya Yadav made a remarkable debut in 2023 with an unbeaten 213 off 125 balls for Haryana against Tripura in the Under-15 one-day championship. At 16, she has continued to impress in tournaments for both Haryana and North Zone. A strong prospect for India’s Under-19 World Cup squad in 2027, Deeya is known for her clean ball-striking and developing power-hitting abilities, gaining attention from WPL coaches. She was also part of Haryana’s Under-23 title-winning team.
G Trisha, UP Warriorz
Trisha, trained at Hyderabad’s renowned St John’s Coaching Foundation, which produced players like VVS Laxman and Mithali Raj, has already established herself as a top-order batter. She made her Under-16 debut for Hyderabad at just eight and has moved up through the Under-19 and Under-23 levels effortlessly.
At 19, she made a significant impact in 2024 by winning the Player of the Tournament award during India’s successful Youth World Cup campaign. She scored 309 runs at an average of 77.25, including the first-ever century in the competition against Scotland, while also taking seven wickets with her leg-spin, proving herself as a valuable allrounder for UP Warriorz.
Gautami Naik, Royal Challengers Bengaluru
At 27, Naik’s selection for the WPL comes after years of dedication in domestic cricket. She began her career in Maharashtra but relocated to Nagaland for better opportunities after limited post-pandemic chances. There, she played a pivotal role in helping the team progress from the Plate to the Elite group.
Her breakthrough came in a Pune exhibition match when her batting caught the attention of former India men’s wicketkeeper Kiran More. This led to trials with Mumbai Indians and a subsequent move to Baroda. After two strong seasons at Baroda, she returned to Maharashtra, then played for Ratnagiri Jets in the women’s MPL, where she opened alongside Smriti Mandhana and piqued the interest of Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Milly Illingworth, Mumbai Indians
Australia’s Illingworth, a fast bowler consistently hitting speeds over 115 kmph, admires Shabnim Ismail and will share the field with her this year. However, her pursuit of pace has been hampered by injuries, including a stress fracture in her back.
After initially going unsold, the 20-year-old was picked up in the accelerated rounds. She impressed with a career-best 3 for 19 in the WBBL, which included the key wicket of Marizanne Kapp.
Anushka Sharma, Gujarat Giants
Anushka, a middle-order batter who also bowls offspin, is part of the emerging group of cricketers from Madhya Pradesh, including Pooja Vastrakar and Kranti Gaud.
Her powerful six-hitting and key cameos in the BCCI Inter-zonal tournament, where she scored 155 runs in five innings, were game-changers. She also displayed her big-hitting potential during the Madhya Pradesh Women’s League with Bundelkhand Bulls. Anushka has the potential to be a strong middle-order presence for Gujarat Giants.