Deepti Sharma emerges as the second most expensive player in WPL history

ignited fierce bidding wars in New Delhi on November 27, marking the tournament’s first full-scale player reshuffle ahead of the season starting January 9 in Mumbai and Baroda. Franchises entered with a combined purse of over ₹41 crore, strategically deploying Right-to-Match (RTM) cards to reclaim stars after pre-auction retentions. All-rounder Deepti Sharma stole the spotlight, becoming the joint second-most expensive player in WPL history as UP Warriorz matched Delhi Capitals’ ₹3.2 crore bid to bring her back.​

UP Warriorz secure Deepti Sharma in dramatic RTM showdown

Deepti, entering at a modest base price of ₹50 lakh in the marquee set, sparked an unexpected frenzy when Delhi Capitals snapped her up initially without competition. UP Warriorz, her former franchise, activated their RTM option, prompting DC to counter with the escalated ₹3.2 crore figure, which UPW promptly matched to retain her services.

Previously acquired for ₹2.6 crore in WPL 2023, Deepti’s value surged by ₹60 lakh, reflecting her proven impact: 507 runs at a 117.63 strike rate and 27 wickets across 25 matches, including a historic hat-trick and MVP honors in 2024. Her leadership stint captaining UPW last season, combined with recent ODI World Cup Player of the Tournament exploits, cemented her as a versatile asset capable of batting at any position and bowling economically in all phases.​

This reunion bolsters UP Warriorz’s core alongside acquisitions like Meg Lanning (₹1.9 crore) and Sophie Ecclestone (₹85 lakh via RTM), positioning them strongly despite a modest pre-auction retention of Shweta Sehrawat. Deepti’s all-phase contributions make her indispensable for a franchise eyeing their first title after consistent playoff appearances.​

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Deepti’s deal vaults her into elite company, tying for second on the all-time WPL auction list dominated by inaugural 2023 extravagance.​

Mandhana’s record opener opener bid set the tone, while Deepti joins Ashleigh Gardner and Nat Sciver-Brunt as all-round powerhouses validating massive investments through multi-faceted performances. Recent marquee highlights like (₹3 crore, MI) and Sophie Devine (₹2 crore, Gujarat Giants) signal escalating stakes for WPL 2026. These buys underscore franchises prioritizing proven T20 match-winners amid rising global demand for women’s cricket talent.

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