WPL Auction 2026: Deepti Sharma Becomes One of the Costliest Buys in League History: The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 auction delivered high drama, intense bidding wars, and history-making moments. At the heart of it all stood India’s star all-rounder Deepti Sharma, who once again proved why she is considered one of the most valuable players in modern women’s cricket.
Deepti’s auction journey was not just about big numbers — it was about trust, recognition, and strategic gameplay between franchises.
🔥 A High-Voltage Bidding Battle
As the bidding opened, Deepti Sharma entered the auction with a base price of ₹50 lakh. The very first paddle went up from Delhi Capitals, signaling immediate interest. But what followed surprised everyone inside the auction room:
- Delhi Capitals made the opening bid at ₹50 lakh.
- UP Warriorz activated their Right-to-Match (RTM) card — a move rarely used and highly strategic.
- DC continued pushing the bidding higher, eventually reaching ₹3.20 crore.
- UP Warriorz instantly matched the bid using RTM and reclaimed Deepti.
Final Price: ₹3.20 crore
Final Team: UP Warriorz (via RTM)
This auction made Deepti Sharma the second-most expensive player in WPL history, standing just behind Smriti Mandhana, who was bought for ₹3.40 crore.
🏆 A Historic First: RTM at Record Price
The 2026 auction marked a unique record:
- Deepti Sharma became the first RTM player to be purchased back at over ₹3 crore in WPL history.
- She now stands among the highest-valued Indian female cricketers in franchise cricket.
- The dramatic bidding battle highlighted her importance as a dependable all-rounder who can change the course of a match.
UP Warriorz using their RTM card shows how essential she is to their team’s core strategy.
📈 Why Deepti Sharma Commands Such High Value
Deepti isn’t just another all-rounder — she is one of the most complete and consistent players in Indian cricket.
Her on-field strengths include:
✔️ Reliable middle-order batting
✔️ Accurate and economical off-spin
✔️ Ability to build innings under pressure
✔️ Smart cricketing brain and leadership skills
✔️ Match-winning temperament
Her versatility across formats makes her a top priority for any franchise looking for balanced team construction.
💰 What Deepti’s Price Tag Means for Women’s Cricket
The WPL 2026 auction reflects the growing popularity, competitiveness, and financial power of women’s cricket.
Deepti Sharma’s ₹3.20 crore deal signifies:
- A major shift in how female cricketers are valued
- The rise of high-budget strategy battles similar to men’s T20 leagues
- Increased emphasis on experience and multi-skill players
- Strengthening fan engagement and market demand
The women’s game is evolving — and players like Deepti are leading the way.
⭐ Final Thoughts
The WPL Auction 2026 will be remembered for many things, but the bidding war for Deepti Sharma stands out as one of the top highlights. Being bought back by UP Warriorz at ₹3.20 crore not only underscores her star power but also showcases the respect she commands across the cricketing world.
Her journey is inspiring, her growth is undeniable, and her future in WPL continues to shine brightly.
1 thought on “WPL Auction 2026: Deepti Sharma Becomes One of the Costliest Buys in League History”