The dust has settled on the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction, and the landscape of the tournament has been dramatically redrawn. With a flurry of high-stakes bids, shocking omissions, and strategic masterstrokes, the WPL 2026 squads are now locked in and ready for battle.
For fans and fantasy cricket managers alike, knowing the complete breakdown of each team is crucial. This guide provides the definitive, team-by-team list of players, analyzes the biggest stories from the auction room, and deciphers what it all means for the upcoming season. So, let’s dive into your ultimate WPL 2026 team guide!
Table of Contents
- WPL 2026 Auction: Biggest Headlines
- Complete WPL 2026 Squads for All 5 Teams
- The Shocking List of Unsold Stars
- What the Squads Mean for Each Franchise
- Final Summary & What’s Next
- Sources
WPL 2026 Auction: Biggest Headlines
The headline-grabber of the entire event was undoubtedly Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma. In a stunning move, UP Warriorz pulled the trigger on their Right to Match (RTM) card to bring her back home for a record-breaking Rs 3.20 crore, making her the most expensive player in this year’s auction .
But the spending spree didn’t stop there. New Zealand star and leg-spin sensation Amelia Kerr was snapped up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for a massive Rs 3 crore, highlighting the growing value of world-class all-rounders in the WPL ecosystem . South African captain Laura Wolvaardt also commanded a huge price, securing her spot with Gujarat Giants for Rs 2.2 crore .
Complete WPL 2026 Squads for All 5 Teams
A total of 67 players found new homes across the five franchises. Here’s the complete breakdown of your WPL 2026 squads.
Mumbai Indians
The defending champions managed to retain the core of their title-winning squad. Their auction strategy was focused on filling specific gaps without breaking the bank .
- Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Yastika Bhatia, Amelia Kerr, Hayley Matthews, Pooja Vastrakar, Saika Ishaque, Amanjot Kaur, G Kamalini, Trisha, Poonam Khemnar, Triveni Vasistha, Nalla Reddy [[1], [28]]
Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals, led by the ever-reliable Meg Lanning, went all-in during the auction, exhausting their entire purse to build a powerful unit .
- Meg Lanning (C), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Alice Capsey, Shikha Pandey, Jess Jonassen, Marizanne Kapp, Annabel Sutherland, Niki Prasad, Minnu Mani, Titas Sadhu, Sneha Deepthi [[1], [5]]
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
RCB, with Smriti Mandhana at the helm, made some of the most aggressive bids of the night, securing a formidable top order and a strong overseas contingent .
- Smriti Mandhana (C), Richa Ghosh, Ellyse Perry, Georgia Voll, Shreyanka Patil, Renuka Singh, Kanika Ahuja, Nadine de Klerk, Sophie Devine, Lauren Bell, Linsey Smith, Arundhati Reddy [[26], [32], [35]]
Gujarat Giants
Gujarat Giants, under Beth Mooney’s leadership, focused on a balanced mix of youth and experience, though some analysts felt they struggled to make a major impact during the main auction window .
- Beth Mooney (C), Laura Wolvaardt, Ashleigh Gardner, Deandra Dottin, Simran Shaikh, Phoebe Litchfield, Tanuja Kanwar, Sayali Satghare, Aparna Gopal, Simran Pandey, Priya Mishra, Shabnam MD [[1], [3]]
UP Warriorz
UP Warriorz, who had a massive purse to spend, played their cards perfectly. They not only re-signed Deepti Sharma, their biggest asset, but also brought in Shikha Pandey for a staggering Rs 2.4 crore, showcasing their intent to build a bowling powerhouse [[4], [9]].
- Alyssa Healy (C), Deepti Sharma, Shikha Pandey, Grace Harris, Sophie Ecclestone, Chamari Athapaththu, Tahlia McGrath, Uma Chetry, Parshavi Chopra, Kiran Navgire, Sajeevan Sajana, Vrinda Dinesh [[1], [10]]
The Shocking List of Unsold Stars
Perhaps the most jaw-dropping moments of the auction came from the names that were left on the board. Australian captain Alyssa Healy, despite being a designated marquee player, went unsold at her base price of Rs 50 lakh [[19], [21]]. This was a massive surprise given her global stature and wicket-keeping prowess.
Equally surprising was the fate of Australian leg-spinner Alana King, another World Cup star who failed to find a buyer [[16], [19]]. These high-profile unsold players have sparked intense debate about team strategies and player valuations in the league. [INTERNAL_LINK:wpl-auction-analysis]
What the Squads Mean for Each Franchise
Mumbai Indians’ strategy of retaining their core suggests they believe in continuity and team chemistry. Their squad is well-balanced and ready to defend their crown.
Delhi Capitals have built a star-studded lineup, but the pressure will be on them to finally convert this talent into a title. Their squad is arguably the most complete on paper.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s aggressive spending on their top order makes them a formidable batting unit, capable of chasing down any total. However, their bowling depth might be a slight concern.
UP Warriorz have clearly invested heavily in their bowling attack, with Deepti, Shikha, and Ecclestone forming a world-class trio. If their new-look batting, now without Healy, can fire, they will be serious contenders.
Final Summary & What’s Next
The WPL 2026 squads are now set, and the stage is perfectly poised for an electrifying season. From Deepti Sharma’s record-breaking deal to the baffling unsold status of Alyssa Healy, the auction has given us plenty to talk about. Each team has its strengths and a clear identity. Now, it’s up to the players to deliver on the field. For the latest updates and official news, you can always refer to the official WPL website .
Sources
Mint, WPL 2026 squads
Sportstar, Deepti Sharma UP Warriorz
Sportstar, Top buys WPL 2026
Sportstar, Unsold players list
Various, Alyssa Healy unsold
Various, RCB squad list
Official WPL Website