Top 3 blunders at WPL 2026 Mega Auction

The WPL 2026 Mega Auction in New Delhi witnessed heavy spending and bidding wars as all five franchises looked to revamp their squads for the new cycle. While several teams made strong, well-planned acquisitions, such as the Mumbai Indians securing Amelia Kerr, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru strengthening their overseas core, and UP Warriorz spending on big names, some decisions raised questions.

A few calls stood out as clear auction-day blunders. Mumbai Indians’ retentions despite a thin pace unit, Delhi Capitals’ heavy investment in Chinelle Henry despite other gaps, Gujarat Giants’ failure to secure reliable Indian batting options, RCB’s weakness in the Indian middle order, and UP Warriorz ignoring the need for an experienced wicketkeeper all triggered discussions.

Here are 3 blunders at WPL 2026 Mega Auction

3. Injured Pratika Rawal bought by UP Warriorz

UP Warriorz took a surprising decision by signing injured India opener Pratika Rawal for INR 50 lakh. While Pratika is undeniably a rising player, her current fitness status makes it doubtful if she will participate in the tournament. The opener scored 308 runs in the 2025 Women's Wolrld Cup and finished as the tournament’s fourth-highest run-getter. However, she has been out of action since suffering ankle and knee injuries against Bangladesh. The setback was serious enough to rule her out of both the semifinal and final matches India eventually won.

Despite going unsold multiple times and her recovery timeline still unclear, UP Warriorz picked her in the accelerated round. Now with the franchise picking her, they don't have the option to name a replacement if Rawal fails to recover on time or injures herself during the competition.

2. UP Warriorz choose to pick Deepti Sharma for higher price than retaining

UP Warriorz’s decision to release Deepti Sharma only to buy her back for a massive INR 3.2 crore through the RTM card grabbed immense attention. Had they retained her, UPW would have paid INR 3.5 crore, but releasing her and re-entering a bidding war handed Delhi Capitals the chance to push the price up.

While UPW ultimately saved a small amount, the unnecessary risk, especially for a player they always intended to bring back, made little sense. However, the decision to get her back was her past performances for the franchise and recent heroics at the Women's ODI World Cup.

1. Alyssa Healy goes unsold

Australia captain Alyssa Healy went unsold at the WPL 2026 mega auction, making it one of the biggest blunders made by the franchises. Despite her experience and match-winning ability, not a single team placed a bid. Healy, who has scored over 400 runs in WPL and recently hit consecutive ODI World Cup hundreds, could not attract teams to go after her in the event.

Franchises stated that the four-overseas-player rule and a growing preference for all-rounders influenced their decisions. UP Warriorz coach Abhishek Nayar admitted he was surprised but said team balance was the priority. RCB’s Anya Shrubsole also felt Healy did not fit their combination, with Richa Ghosh already locked in as wicketkeeper.