High-Stakes Bidding, RTM Battles and Star Signings Define WPL 2026 Mega Auction

New Delhi, Nov 2025: The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction delivered a dramatic day of strategic battles, aggressive bidding, and shrewd squad-building, with franchises using their Right to Match (RTM) cards to maximum effect. Delhi Capitals (DC) emerged as one of the standout performers, strengthening their lineup with high-impact domestic and international recruits.

Delhi Capitals Score Big with Charani, Chinelle Henry, and Sneh Rana

DC made headlines early by successfully bringing back left-arm spinner N. Sree Charani, securing the seasoned campaigner for ₹1.3 crore after an intense bidding war with UP Warriorz (UPW). The franchise also roped in West Indies powerhouse all-rounder Chinelle Henry for ₹1.3 crore, beating stiff competition from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and UPW.

Adding further depth to their spin department, DC signed India’s off-spin all-rounder Sneh Rana for ₹50 lakh, reinforcing a strong domestic core.

UP Warriorz Use RTM Aggressively; Strengthen Batting and Pace Departments

UP Warriorz entered the auction with a clear strategy: retain their core through RTM cards. Having already used RTMs on Deepti Sharma and Sophie Ecclestone, the franchise used the option again to reclaim Kiran Navgire for ₹60 lakh, matching RCB’s final bid.

UPW then made one of the costliest buys of the day by snapping up Australian opener Phoebe Litchfield for ₹1.2 crore, outbidding RCB in a tense contest. They later added Harleen Deol for ₹50 lakh, building a balanced middle order.

In the pace category, UPW exercised their final RTM to bring back India pacer Kranti Gaud at her base price of ₹50 lakh, after an initial bid from DC. They further strengthened their spin department by signing Asha Sobhana for ₹1.1 crore after a heated multi-team bidding battle involving DC and RCB.

Gujarat Giants Retain Bharti Fulmali, Add Promising Youngster Titas Sadhu

Gujarat Giants used their lone RTM card to retain Bharti Fulmali for ₹70 lakh after Mumbai Indians (MI) pushed hard to bid for the India batter. Later, GG added young India fast bowler Titas Sadhu for ₹30 lakh, a move aimed at strengthening their early-overs attack.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Add Power and Variety Across Departments

RCB had a high-impact auction, securing:

• Georgia Voll (₹60 lakh), after UPW chose not to use RTM
• Nadine de Klerk (₹65 lakh), following a three-way battle with GG and DC
• Radha Yadav (₹65 lakh), after GG initiated bidding

Known for her swing and pace, England fast bowler Lauren Bell was one of RCB’s premium signings at ₹90 lakh, after fending off Mumbai Indians. RCB later added England left-arm spinner Linsey Smith for ₹30 lakh, bolstering their spin attack with a powerplay specialist.

Mumbai Indians Stay Loyal to Experience, Bring Back Shabnim Ismail

Mumbai Indians continued their trend of bringing back key veterans. They secured former South African speedster Shabnim Ismail for ₹60 lakh after a brief challenge from RCB. MI had also pushed Bharti Fulmali’s price earlier but ultimately lost out to UPW via RTM.

Unsold Players and Surprising Misses

Despite their international experience, some prominent names found no takers:

• S. Meghana (India batter)
• Tazmin Brits (South Africa opener)
• Grace Harris (Australia all-rounder)
• Darcie Brown and Lauren Cheatle (Australia pacers)
• Amanda-Jade Wellington, Saika Ishaque, Alana King (spinners)
• Amy Jones, Isabella Gaze, Uma Chetry (wicketkeepers)

The lack of bids for key performers such as Grace Harris and Amanda-Jade Wellington surprised many, given their proven credentials.

Delhi Capitals Add Firepower with Lizelle Lee

DC added a final flourish by signing former South African wicketkeeper-batter Lizelle Lee for ₹30 lakh. Lee, known for her explosive starts, brings crucial balance and experience to the top order.

A Day of Strategy, Surprises, and Big Investments

With RTM cards influencing several major signings and franchises battling fiercely for core talent, the WPL 2026 mega auction showcased the league’s increasing competitiveness and evolving strategies. Franchises focused sharply on:

• Building balanced squads
• Retaining match-winners
• Roping in versatile all-rounders
• Strengthening bowling units with proven performers

As the dust settles, Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz appear to have had the most impactful auction days, while RCB’s smart picks in pace and all-round departments promise renewed strength.

The WPL 2026 season now gears up with refreshed squads, new combinations, and renewed rivalries—setting the stage for an exhilarating tournament beginning January 2026.

Team Maverick