The Women’s Premier League (WPL) continues to redefine the standards of cricket with every passing season. The 2026 edition promises even more intensity following the first ever Mega Auction held in New Delhi. Franchises have completely overhauled their rosters, leading to fresh combinations and unexpected alliances. Fans are eager to see how these new squads perform when the season begins on January 9, 2026.
WPL 2026 Players Overview:
The phrase WPL Players now encompasses a diverse mix of global superstars and emerging Indian talent. The 2026 Mega Auction featured a pool of 277 cricketers vying for just 73 slots. The fierce bidding wars highlighted the immense value franchises place on specific skill sets, particularly versatile all rounders and aggressive top order batters.
| Team | Captain | Top Auction Buy (2026) | Key Squad Members | Squad Strength |
| UP Warriorz | Meg Lanning | Deepti Sharma (₹3.2 Cr) | Meg Lanning, Sophie Ecclestone, Shikha Pandey, Phoebe Litchfield | Boasts the most experienced leader in Meg Lanning and a lethal spin attack with Ecclestone and Deepti. |
| Mumbai Indians | Harmanpreet Kaur | Amelia Kerr (₹3.0 Cr) | Nat Sciver Brunt, Shabnim Ismail, Hayley Matthews, Yastika Bhatia | Retained a championship winning core while adding pace and variety with Ismail and Kerr. |
| Gujarat Giants | Ashleigh Gardner | Sophie Devine (₹2.0 Cr) | Beth Mooney, Georgia Wareham, Renuka Singh, Bharti Fulmali | Heavy investment in overseas power hitters like Devine and Mooney to support Gardner. |
| Delhi Capitals | Jemimah Rodrigues* | Chinelle Henry (₹1.3 Cr) | Shafali Verma, Marizanne Kapp, Laura Wolvaardt, Annabel Sutherland | A formidable top order with Wolvaardt joining Shafali, though they face a leadership transition. |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Smriti Mandhana | Lauren Bell (₹90 L) | Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, Pooja Vastrakar, Grace Harris | Maintained their glamorous batting lineup while shoring up the pace attack with Lauren Bell. |
Most Expensive WPL Players in 2026:
The financial stakes in the WPL have reached new heights. The 2026 auction was dominated by Indian talent, proving that domestic players are the true backbone of this league. Deepti Sharma commanded the room as UP Warriorz utilised their Right to Match (RTM) card to secure her services for a record breaking sum.
Below is the list of the top buys from the WPL 2026 Auction.
| Player Name | Country | Role | Team | Price (INR) |
| Deepti Sharma | India | All Rounder | UP Warriorz | 3.20 Crore |
| Amelia Kerr | New Zealand | All Rounder | Mumbai Indians | 3.00 Crore |
| Shikha Pandey | India | Bowler | UP Warriorz | 2.40 Crore |
| Sophie Devine | New Zealand | All Rounder | Gujarat Giants | 2.00 Crore |
| Meg Lanning | Australia | Batter | UP Warriorz | 1.90 Crore |
| Chinelle Henry | West Indies | All Rounder | Delhi Capitals | 1.30 Crore |
| Shree Charani | India | Bowler | Delhi Capitals | 1.30 Crore |
| Phoebe Litchfield | Australia | Batter | UP Warriorz | 1.20 Crore |
| Asha Sobhana | India | Bowler | UP Warriorz | 1.10 Crore |
| Laura Wolvaardt | South Africa | Batter | Delhi Capitals | 1.10 Crore |
Deepti Sharma joining UP Warriorz for INR 3.20 crore highlights the premium placed on premier Indian all rounders.
UP Warriorz Players WPL 2026:
UP Warriorz dominated the headlines during the auction. After retaining only one player, Shweta Sehrawat, they entered the bidding arena with the largest purse of INR 14.5 crore. They used this financial muscle to assemble a team that looks intimidating on paper. The acquisition of Meg Lanning, one of the most successful leaders in cricket history, changes the entire complexion of their squad.
UP Warriorz Full Players List 2026:
| Player Name | Role | Price | Nationality |
| Deepti Sharma | All Rounder | 3.20 Cr | India |
| Shikha Pandey | Bowler | 2.40 Cr | India |
| Meg Lanning | Batter | 1.90 Cr | Australia |
| Phoebe Litchfield | Batter | 1.20 Cr | Australia |
| Asha Sobhana | Bowler | 1.10 Cr | India |
| Sophie Ecclestone | Bowler | 85 Lakh | England |
| Deandra Dottin | All Rounder | 80 Lakh | West Indies |
| Kiran Navgire | Batter | 60 Lakh | India |
| Shweta Sehrawat | Batter | 50 Lakh | India |
| Harleen Deol | All Rounder | 50 Lakh | India |
| Kranti Gaud | Bowler | 50 Lakh | India |
| Pratika Rawal | Batter | 50 Lakh | India |
| Chloe Tryon | All Rounder | 30 Lakh | South Africa |
| Gongadi Trisha | Batter | 10 Lakh | India |
| Shipra Giri | Wicketkeeper | 10 Lakh | India |
| Simran Shaikh | Batter | 10 Lakh | India |
| Tara Norris | Bowler | 10 Lakh | USA (Associate) |
| Suman Meena | All Rounder | 10 Lakh | India |
Mumbai Indians Players WPL 2026:
The Mumbai Indians have always prioritised a strong core. Their strategy for 2026 was smart and precise. They retained their leadership group, including Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and the dynamic Nat Sciver Brunt. The biggest win for them was buying back Amelia Kerr. She has been pivotal in their previous title runs, and losing her would have left a massive void in their middle order.
They also strengthened their pace attack by signing Shabnim Ismail. Her raw pace and aggression will complement the swing of Nat Sciver Brunt. Mumbai also invested in Nicola Carey, a clever medium pacer and handy batter who brings balance to the side. The scouts at the Mumbai Indians also unearthed talent like Sanskriti Gupta and Rahila Firdous, ensuring the future looks bright.
Mumbai Indians Full Players List WPL 2026:
| Player Name | Role | Price | Nationality |
| Natalie Sciver Brunt | All Rounder | 3.50 Cr | England |
| Amelia Kerr | All Rounder | 3.00 Cr | New Zealand |
| Harmanpreet Kaur | Batter | 2.50 Cr | India |
| Hayley Matthews | All Rounder | 1.75 Cr | West Indies |
| Amanjot Kaur | All Rounder | 1.00 Cr | India |
| Sajeevan Sajana | Batter | 75 Lakh | India |
| Shabnim Ismail | Bowler | 60 Lakh | South Africa |
| G Kamalini | All Rounder | 50 Lakh | India |
| Rajeshwari Gayakwad | Bowler | 40 Lakh | India |
| Nicola Carey | All Rounder | 30 Lakh | Australia |
| Saika Ishaque | Bowler | 30 Lakh | India |
| Ayushi Soni | All Rounder | 30 Lakh | India |
| Sanskriti Gupta | Bowler | 20 Lakh | India |
| Triveni Vasistha | All Rounder | 20 Lakh | India |
| Milly Illingworth | Bowler | 10 Lakh | Australia |
| Poonam Khemnar | All Rounder | 10 Lakh | India |
| Rahila Firdous | Wicketkeeper | 10 Lakh | India |
| Nalla Reddy | Bowler | 10 Lakh | India |
Delhi Capitals Players WPL 2026:
Delhi Capitals shocked many by releasing their captain, Meg Lanning, before the auction. However, their retention strategy was solid, keeping hold of the explosive Shafali Verma and the reliable Jemimah Rodrigues. Their auction strategy seemed focused on adding sheer power to the batting lineup.
The purchase of Laura Wolvaardt for INR 1.10 crore was a masterstroke. The South African captain is technically sound and has expanded her game to suit the T20 format perfectly. She brings stability to the top order. Delhi also spent big on Chinelle Henry and Shree Charani, bolstering their bowling stocks. The return of Taniya Bhatia ensures they have a safe pair of hands behind the stumps.
Delhi Capitals Full Players List WPL 2026:
| Player Name | Role | Price | Nationality |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | Batter | 2.20 Cr | India |
| Shafali Verma | Batter | 2.20 Cr | India |
| Annabel Sutherland | All Rounder | 2.20 Cr | Australia |
| Marizanne Kapp | All Rounder | 2.20 Cr | South Africa |
| Chinelle Henry | All Rounder | 1.30 Cr | West Indies |
| Shree Charani | Bowler | 1.30 Cr | India |
| Laura Wolvaardt | Batter | 1.10 Cr | South Africa |
| Sneh Rana | All Rounder | 50 Lakh | India |
| Niki Prasad | Batter | 50 Lakh | India |
| Minnu Mani | All Rounder | 40 Lakh | India |
| Lizelle Lee | Batter | 30 Lakh | South Africa |
| Taniya Bhatia | Wicketkeeper | 30 Lakh | India |
| Nandani Sharma | All Rounder | 20 Lakh | India |
| Deeya Yadav | Bowler | 10 Lakh | India |
| Lucy Hamilton | All Rounder | 10 Lakh | Australia |
| Mamatha Madiwala | Wicketkeeper | 10 Lakh | India |
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Players WPL 2026:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) entered the auction with a clear plan to support their captain, Smriti Mandhana. They retained key match winners like Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, and Shreyanka Patil. Their auction buys were calculated and effective.
Securing Lauren Bell for INR 90 lakh solves their pace bowling issues. Bell can swing the new ball and pick up early wickets, a crucial factor in T20 matches. The addition of Pooja Vastrakar for INR 85 lakh adds depth to their lower order batting and provides a reliable seam option. Arundhati Reddy and Grace Harris further strengthen the middle order, making RCB a balanced and dangerous unit.
RCB Full Players List WPL 2026:
| Player Name | Role | Price | Nationality |
| Smriti Mandhana | Batter | 3.50 Cr | India |
| Richa Ghosh | Wicketkeeper | 2.75 Cr | India |
| Ellyse Perry | All Rounder | 2.00 Cr | Australia |
| Lauren Bell | Bowler | 90 Lakh | England |
| Pooja Vastrakar | All Rounder | 85 Lakh | India |
| Arundhati Reddy | Bowler | 75 Lakh | India |
| Grace Harris | Batter | 75 Lakh | Australia |
| Nadine de Klerk | All Rounder | 65 Lakh | South Africa |
| Radha Yadav | Bowler | 65 Lakh | India |
| Shreyanka Patil | All Rounder | 60 Lakh | India |
| Georgia Voll | Batter | 60 Lakh | Australia |
| Linsey Smith | Bowler | 30 Lakh | England |
| Dayalan Hemalatha | Batter | 30 Lakh | India |
| Prema Rawat | All Rounder | 20 Lakh | India |
| Gautami Naik | All Rounder | 10 Lakh | India |
| Prathyoosha Kumar | Wicketkeeper | 10 Lakh | India |
Gujarat Giants Players WPL 2026:
Gujarat Giants had a point to prove after mixed results in previous seasons. They retained the Australian duo of Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner, ensuring their leadership and primary all round option remained secure. Their auction strategy was aggressive, targeting experience and proven performers.
Sophie Devine was their headline buy at INR 2 crore. The New Zealand veteran brings immense power and leadership experience. They also added Australian spinner Georgia Wareham and Indian pacer Renuka Singh. This mix of overseas experience and Indian bowling talent gives the Giants a much sturdier look than in previous years.
Gujarat Giants Full Players list WPL 2026:
| Player Name | Role | Price | Nationality |
| Ashleigh Gardner | All Rounder | 3.50 Cr | Australia |
| Beth Mooney | Wicketkeeper | 2.50 Cr | Australia |
| Sophie Devine | All Rounder | 2.00 Cr | New Zealand |
| Georgia Wareham | Bowler | 1.00 Cr | Australia |
| Bharti Fulmali | Batter | 70 Lakh | India |
| Kashvee Gautam | Bowler | 65 Lakh | India |
| Renuka Singh | Bowler | 60 Lakh | India |
| Kim Garth | Bowler | 50 Lakh | Australia |
| Yastika Bhatia | Batter | 50 Lakh | India |
| Danni Wyatt Hodge | Batter | 50 Lakh | England |
| Tanuja Kanwer | Bowler | 45 Lakh | India |
| Anushka Sharma | All Rounder | 45 Lakh | India |
| Titas Sadhu | Bowler | 30 Lakh | India |
| Kanika Ahuja | All Rounder | 30 Lakh | India |
| Happy Kumari | All Rounder | 10 Lakh | India |
| Shivani Singh | Batter | 10 Lakh | India |
Key Info of Players in WPL 2026:
The WPL 2026 auction was not without its shocks. The most talking about moment was Alyssa Healy going unsold. The Australian captain and wicketkeeper batter found no takers, a decision that baffled many experts. It signals a shift where franchises are prioritising current form and specific team balance over reputation alone.
Another major storyline is the reunion of Meg Lanning and the UP Warriorz. After being released by Delhi, Lanning now finds herself leading a team packed with superstars. The battle between her new team and her old team, the Delhi Capitals, will be a marquee matchup to watch.
The retention of young Indian talent like Shweta Sehrawat and the high bids for uncapped players like Shree Charani prove that the WPL is successfully nurturing the next generation of cricketers. The league is no longer just about foreign stars; it is about the rise of Indian cricket.
Conclusion:
The WPL 2026 season is set to be the most competitive yet. The squad overhauls have levelled the playing field, ensuring that no single team has a clear advantage before a ball is bowled. UP Warriorz has the star power, Mumbai Indians have the continuity, and Delhi Capitals have the explosive batting. Meanwhile, RCB and Gujarat Giants have balanced squads capable of beating anyone on their day.
FAQs:
Deepti Sharma was the most expensive player. UP Warriorz used their Right to Match (RTM) card to buy her back for a massive INR 3.20 crore.
Meg Lanning was bought by UP Warriorz for INR 1.90 crore. She was previously the captain of the Delhi Capitals but was released ahead of the auction.
No, Alyssa Healy went unsold in the WPL 2026 auction. Despite her experience and status as the Australian captain, no franchise placed a bid for her.
The WPL 2026 season is scheduled to begin on January 9, 2026. The opening match will feature the Mumbai Indians taking on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Each franchise was allowed to build a squad of up to 18 players. The squads comprise a mix of capped and uncapped Indian players along with a maximum of six overseas players.