WPL 2026 Mega Auction Analysis: Full Squad Breakdowns & Predicted First XIs of All Teams

The WPL 2026 Mega Auction produced its most dramatic edition yet, highlighted by record-breaking buys, surprise omissions, and strong squad overhauls. Deepti Sharma emerged as the costliest player at ₹3.20 crore (via RTM), while Amelia Kerr, Meg Lanning, Shree Charani, and Laura Wolvaardt were among the top headline picks.

With 67 players selected across 77 slots, teams strengthened their line-ups with a mix of global superstars and rising Indian talent.

WPL 2026 Mega Auction Analysis Full Squad Breakdowns amp amp Predicted First XIs of All Teams

Key Auction Headlines

Deepti Sharma becomes the highest buy of WPL 2026 at ₹3.20 crore (RTM).
Amelia Kerr returns to MI for ₹3 crore.
UP Warriorz buy Meg Lanning for ₹1.90 crore.
Shree Charani to DC for ₹1.30 crore after intense bidding.
Laura Wolvaardt joins DC for ₹1.10 crore.
Alyssa Healy and Alana King remain unsold.
UP Warriorz emerge with the strongest and most balanced auction haul.

Mumbai Indians (MI)

Players: 16 (6 overseas)

Analysis: MI focused on retaining their champion core while adding Amelia Kerr for ₹3 crore and Shabnim Ismail for pace firepower. With an abundance of all-rounders, MI remains one of the most balanced squads in the league.

Weakness: Lack of specialist bowlers.

Predicted MI First XI

G Kamalini (wk)
Hayley Matthews
Nat Sciver-Brunt
Harmanpreet Kaur (capt)
Amelia Kerr
Amanjot Kaur
Poonam Khemnar
S Sajana
Sanskriti Gupta
Shabnim Ismail
Saika Ishaque

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Players: 16 (6 overseas)

Analysis: Strong overseas contingent with Mandhana, Harris, Perry, and Ghosh providing firepower. However, Indian middle-order depth remains a concern.

Predicted RCB First XI

Smriti Mandhana (capt)
Grace Harris
Ellyse Perry
D Hemalatha
Richa Ghosh (wk)
Nadine de Klerk
Pooja Vastrakar
Radha Yadav
Shreyanka Patil
Arundhati Reddy
Lauren Bell

UP Warriorz (UPW)

Players: 18 (6 overseas)

Analysis: The biggest winners of the auction, UPW assembled a powerhouse squad featuring Deepti Sharma, Meg Lanning, Shikha Pandey, Phoebe Litchfield, and Sophie Ecclestone.

Predicted UPW First XI

Meg Lanning
Kiran Navgire
Harleen Deol
Phoebe Litchfield
Deepti Sharma
Deandra Dottin
Sophie Ecclestone
Asha Sobhana
Shipra Giri (wk)
Shikha Pandey
Kranti Gaud

Delhi Capitals (DC)

Players: 16 (6 overseas)

Analysis: DC added Laura Wolvaardt, Chinelle Henry, Charani, Sneh Rana to an already formidable top order featuring Shafali, Jemimah, Kapp, and Sutherland. Their only weak spot is a thin Indian pace attack.

Predicted DC First XI

Shafali Verma
Laura Wolvaardt
Jemimah Rodrigues
Marizanne Kapp
Annabel Sutherland
Chinelle Henry
Niki Prasad
Taniya Bhatia (wk)
Sneh Rana
Shree Charani
Nandani Sharma

Gujarat Giants (GG)

Players: 18 (6 overseas)

Analysis: With Mooney, Gardner, Wareham, and Devine, the Giants have a world-class overseas lineup. But their Indian batting depth remains a concern.