The WPL 2026 Auction hits Delhi on November 27, with 277 players entering the pool including 83 overseas names and a marquee list stacked with heavyweights like Wolvaardt, Healy, Lanning, Devine, Deepti, Ecclestone and Amelia Kerr. UP Warriorz walk in with the biggest war chest (INR 14.50 crore), while Delhi crawl in with the lowest (INR 5.7 crore). Every team has clear holes, clear strengths, and clear desperation to grab the right pieces before rivals do.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Purse left: INR 5.75 crore
MI enter with a strong retained core which includes players Harmanpreet, Sciver-Brunt, Matthews, Amanjot and Kamalini. Their top order, middle order and all-rounder base are all solid, and the team identity stays intact. They have stability on paper and match-winners across positions, meaning they don’t need to overhaul anything major.
But the gaps are still visible. MI lack an experienced wicketkeeper, a frontline Indian spinner, and a strike pacer who can control the powerplay or the slog overs. They may even try to bring back familiar faces like Amelia Kerr or Saika Ishaque, players who know their setup well. With budget restrictions, they must nail high impact, low waste signings.
Top 3 Priority Targets in WPL 2026 Auction
- Amelia Kerr - Right-arm Leg Break Bowling all-rounder
- Saika Ishaque - Left-arm orthodox Bowler
- Kim Garth - Right-arm Seam Bowling all-rounder
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Purse left: INR 6.15 crore + 1 RTM
RCB will walk into the auction with a strong backbone with Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Perry and Shreyanka in their roster. Their batting core is settled and their spin department has a rising star. They have a much clearer structure compared to previous seasons and can afford to target very specific upgrades.
But they still need a proper power-opener to partner Mandhana and a dependable frontline pacer to strengthen the powerplay and death overs. Their attack lacks an experienced leader, and they may even try to re-sign Renuka Singh through RTM. Fix these two holes, and RCB instantly move into title-contention territory.
Top 3 Priority Targets WPL 2026 Auction
- Laura Wolvaardt - Right-hand top order Batter
- Renuka Singh - Right-arm Seam Bowler
- Sophie Ecclestone - Left-arm orthodox Bowler
Gujarat Giants (GG)
Purse left: INR 9 crore + 3 RTM
GG are coming in with only Mooney and Gardner retained, giving them flexibility but also exposing a lack of continuity. They have a top quality opener and an elite all rounder, which sets their top order and middle order foundation.
Their major holes are Indian batting experience, a reliable lower middle order, and a proper bowling unit. GG badly needs strike bowlers and stabilising Indian names. They may try to bring back known faces like Harleen or Sneh Rana type players to rebuild familiarity while adding better overseas structure.
Top 3 Priority Targets in WPL 2026 Auction
- Harleen Deol - Right-hand Batting all-rounder
- Renuka Singh - Right-arm Seam Bowler
- Nadine de Klerk - Right-hand Batting all-rounders
Delhi Capitals (DC)
Purse left: INR 5.7 crore
Delhi retained a powerful top order with Shafali and Jemimah, and two world class pace bowling all rounders in Kapp and Sutherland. Their batting remains intimidating, and the dual seam all rounder combo gives them balance in both innings.
But the departure of Meg Lanning leaves a huge tactical and leadership vacuum. They also lack a stable opener, a wicketkeeper, and a frontline spinner. With a stretched purse, DC may attempt to re-sign players who previously fit well into their system. Every signing needs to add either leadership, multi-role flexibility, or stability.
Top 3 Priority Targets in WPL 2026 Auction
- Laura Wolvaardt - Right-hand top order Batter
- Yastika Bhatia - Left-hand Keeper Batter
- Alyssa Healy - Right-hand Keeper Batter
UP Warriorz (UPW)
Purse left: INR 14.5 crore + 4 RTM
UPW comes in as the biggest wildcard with only Shweta Sehrawat retained, they had the freedom to rebuild the team from scratch. Their purse allows them to dominate bidding for multiple marquee names, and they can instantly reshape their entire XI.
They need a captain, openers, finishers, seamers, spinners, and a senior wicketkeeper. Basically every department requires reconstruction. With 4 RTMs, they may attempt to pull back former pillars like Deepti, Healy or Ecclestone. UP are the team that can create the biggest chaos at this auction.
Top 3 Priority Targets in WPL 2026 Auction
- Meg Lanning - Captain + Right hand Batter
- Deepti Sharma - Left-hand batter + Right-arm Off Break Bowler
- Sophie Devine - Right-hand Batting all-rounder
Also Read: WPL 2025 Retention List – Surprise Releases
