Deepti Sharma Becomes 2nd Most Expensive WPL Player Ever: UP Warriorz Pay ₹3.2 Crore

Deepti Sharma created history at the first-ever Women’s Premier League (WPL) mega auction, becoming the second-most expensive player in tournament history after UP Warriorz used their Right To Match (RTM) card to reacquire the star all-rounder for a whopping ₹3.2 crore. The dramatic bidding war showcased the incredible value placed on India’s premier spin-bowling all-rounder following her sensational ODI World Cup performance.

WPL 2026 Auction: Deepti Sharma’s Deal Breakdown

How the Bidding Drama Unfolded

The auction room witnessed an unexpected turn of events when Deepti’s name appeared. Despite spending three successful seasons with UP Warriorz, the franchise surprisingly released her before the auction, retaining only Shweta Sehrawat to maximize their three RTM options.

Delhi Capitals raised the first paddle and shockingly secured her at the base price of ₹50 lakh without competition. However, UP Warriorz immediately exercised their RTM card. Delhi countered by jumping straight to ₹3.20 crore—a bold move that tested UP’s commitment. After brief deliberation, UP matched the bid, bringing Deepti back home and making her the joint second-most expensive WPL player alongside Ashleigh Gardner and Nat Sciver-Brunt.

Most Expensive Players in WPL Auction History

Only Smriti Mandhana commands a higher price tag, having been purchased by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹3.40 crore in the inaugural WPL auction.

Why Deepti Sharma Commands Premium Value

Leading T20I Wicket-Taker for India: With 147 wickets, Deepti is India’s most successful women’s T20I bowler, delivering consistently in high-pressure situations.

Exceptional Economy Rate: Her 6.12 economy rate in T20Is demonstrates remarkable control—crucial in the shortest format where runs flow freely.

Batting Prowess: With 24 international fifties and a century, Deepti offers genuine all-round capability, strengthening both batting depth and bowling options.

World Cup Heroics: Her outstanding performances in the recent ODI World Cup significantly elevated her stock, showcasing match-winning abilities on cricket’s biggest stage.

Experience & Leadership: Three seasons with UP Warriorz have given her invaluable WPL experience, making her a core player around whom franchises can build strategies.

UP Warriorz’s Strategic Masterstroke

By releasing Deepti before the auction yet retaining three RTM cards, UP Warriorz executed a calculated risk that paid off. They anticipated competition but maintained flexibility to reacquire their star player while testing the market value. The strategy worked perfectly—they got their player back while understanding exactly how much other franchises valued her services.

This approach mirrors successful IPL retention strategies where franchises release marquee players only to use RTM cards, often securing them at reasonable prices. However, Delhi’s aggressive counter-bid ensured UP paid premium value, validating Deepti’s status as a generational talent.

What This Means for WPL 2026

Deepti returns to UP Warriorz as their costliest acquisition and arguably their most important player. Her spin bowling will anchor their attack while her batting provides crucial middle-order stability. The investment signals UP’s championship ambitions for the upcoming season at venues in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.

For more WPL updates, visit our Women’s Cricket Section and explore WPL 2026 Coverage. Stay updated with official information at BCCI Women’s Cricket.

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