November 28, 2025 : The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Mega Auction concluded with high-intensity bidding wars, strategic reshuffles, and several stunning signings that have dramatically transformed team compositions ahead of the new season. All five franchises—Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants—made bold roster decisions as they aimed to bolster both their Indian core and international strength. The auction not only showcased the rising depth of women’s cricket in India but also reflected the growing financial muscle of the league, with several players securing record salaries.
The 2026 edition of the WPL introduces key tactical shifts as teams attempted to balance star power with young domestic talent. With many teams releasing their veteran players to free up purse space, the auction table saw aggressive bidding strategies rarely witnessed in previous seasons. The competition for marquee all-rounders and emerging power-hitters remained particularly intense.
Mumbai Indians: Focus on Power Hitters and Spin Depth
Mumbai Indians entered the auction with a clear plan to inject fresh batting dynamism into their top order. They secured two of the biggest buys of the event—an overseas power-hitting opener and a young Indian finisher whose performances in the domestic T20 circuit drew nationwide attention. The franchise also strengthened its spin department by adding two versatile all-rounders capable of contributing with both bat and ball.
With Harmanpreet Kaur leading the side, Mumbai now boasts a balanced roster with reliable experience and youthful energy. Their bowling looks formidable, especially with a strengthened left-arm spin attack complemented by seasoned pacers retained from previous seasons.
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Heavy Investment in All-Rounders
RCB adopted a hybrid strategy, focusing on securing multi-dimensional cricketers who can provide depth in both batting and bowling. The franchise triggered one of the biggest bidding wars of the auction when it went after a high-profile overseas all-rounder, eventually bagging her for a premium salary.
Smriti Mandhana, who continues as captain, will lead a more aggressive and balanced squad in 2026. RCB’s management emphasized youth, acquiring several promising Indian players who had impressed at the India A and Under-23 levels. Their new lineup promises improved finishing ability and increased bowling variety, especially in the middle overs.
Delhi Capitals: Strengthening Core with Smart, Value Picks
Delhi Capitals stayed away from headline-chasing buys and instead focused on plugging gaps in their middle order and death bowling. Their biggest success came from securing a consistent Indian middle-order batter at a surprisingly modest price, giving them a much-needed stabilizer. DC also added two young fast bowlers with exceptional pace, marking a strong shift towards a more attacking pace strategy.
With Meg Lanning’s retirement from competitive cricket, Delhi has restructured its leadership group, relying on a mix of experienced Indian campaigners and seasoned overseas professionals. Their squad looks tactically flexible, with strong backup options in almost every department.
UP Warriorz: Major Overhaul with Young Indian Core
UP Warriorz executed one of the most dramatic squad transformations of the auction. Releasing several senior players ahead of the event, the franchise entered with plenty of money in hand and used it aggressively to rope in four top-tier Indian players. Their headline signing—a star all-rounder from Maharashtra—instantly reshaped the team’s balance.
They also invested heavily in domestic spin talent, adding three young bowlers known for their variations. The Warriorz now look like one of the most fresh, dynamic squads of the 2026 edition, combining experienced international names with a powerful Indian core.
Gujarat Giants: High-Risk, High-Reward Signings
The Giants, historically known for inconsistent performances, approached the auction with a bold mindset. The team splurged on two overseas T20 superstars, making them among the most expensive signings of the entire day. They also placed significant faith in uncapped Indian batters, signaling a long-term rebuilding approach.
Gujarat strengthened its bowling by investing in tall pacers capable of exploiting new-ball swing and bounce. While the squad looks highly talented, questions remain about team chemistry and balance—issues that have previously cost them crucial matches. However, with a refreshed leadership structure, the Giants hope to change their fortunes in 2026.
Full Squads After WPL 2026 Mega Auction (Team-wise):
(Note: This is a news-style descriptive full-squad presentation, not official BCCI data.)
Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Key Players: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), star overseas opener, young Indian finisher
- Overseas Picks: 3 new additions
- Spin Unit: Strengthened with two all-rounders
- Pace Attack: Retained core + 1 new young pacer
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
- Key Players: Smriti Mandhana (C), high-value overseas all-rounder
- Domestic Picks: Multiple U-23 performers
- Bowling: Expanded pace and spin options
- Batting: Enhanced finishing department
Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Key Players: Senior Indian batter, two young pacers
- Overseas Core: Retained majority
- Strategy: Value-based signings enhancing middle order
UP Warriorz (UPW)
- Key Players: Maharashtra all-rounder, multiple domestic spin talents
- Squad Type: Youth-driven, fresh, aggressive
- Balance: Strong Indian core + dependable overseas stars
Gujarat Giants (GG)
- Key Players: Two overseas superstars, uncapped Indian batters
- Strengths: Big hitting lineup, tall pace attack
- Potential Risks: Team cohesion, role clarity
Summary:
The WPL 2026 Mega Auction reshaped all five squads with major signings, rising salaries, young domestic stars, strategic rebuilding, and aggressive bidding, marking one of the league’s most competitive auction cycles yet.