WPL 2026 Auction Highlights: Deepti Sharma and Sophie Devine

The WPL 2026 auction in New Delhi brought thrilling news for cricket fans, especially in India. Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma was sold to UP Warriorz for an impressive Rs 3.2 crore. Initially, she was picked by Delhi Capitals for her base price of Rs 50 lakh, but the Warriorz exercised their Right-to-Match (RTM) card to bring her back. Deepti's performance over the past three seasons for UP Warriorz has been stellar, scoring 507 runs in 25 matches with a strike rate of 117.63 and taking 27 wickets.

Deepti also showcased her leadership skills, captaining the team during WPL 2025 when Alyssa Healy was out due to injury. Her highest score of 88 not out against Gujarat Giants highlighted her potential to turn games around. The UP Warriorz have made a significant investment in retaining her, solidifying her role as a key player in their squad.

On another note, former New Zealand captain Sophie Devine attracted significant attention during the auction, ultimately being bought by Gujarat Giants for Rs 2 crore. The bidding war involved multiple franchises, including the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals, indicating her high demand in the market. Devine has an impressive track record, having scored 402 runs in 18 matches for RCB at a remarkable strike rate of 153.43.

Devine’s experience and skill set make her a valuable asset for the Giants, especially after being part of the title-winning RCB side in 2024. Her acquisition not only strengthens the team but also reflects the competitive nature of the Women’s Premier League, where franchises are eager to secure the best talent.

The RTM system, introduced to allow franchises to bring back players they had released, adds another layer of strategy to the auction. This mechanism was previously used in mega auctions but was modified for this season, allowing teams to negotiate bids effectively. The comeback of the RTM card has made the auction more dynamic, as teams strategize to retain their star players while also pushing for new talent.

As the WPL continues to grow, the excitement surrounding player acquisitions adds to the league's popularity, showcasing the incredible talent in women’s cricket.