WPL Auction 2023: Five Bowlers Who May Attract Big Bids on February 13

The first-ever Women's Premier League (WPL) auction is set to take place in Mumbai on Monday (February 13) with at least 90 players hoping to land contracts.

A total of 409 players will go under the hammer and the five franchises will get into bidding war for a few big name players after drawing up their plans based on stats and scouting.

Among 409 players registered for the WPL Auction 2023, 246 players are from India, while 155 are from overseas teams and 8 are from Associate Nations.

While all-rounders and batters will be important, landing the specialist bowler will also be key to forming a team capable of going all the way to lift the title.

Speaking of specialist bowlers, a total of 93 players from across the globe have registered their names for the auction. Among the 93, there are really some top international bowlers.

Here we take a look at five bowlers that may attract big bids at the WPL 2023 Auction:

1. Rajeshwari Gayakwad (India)

The Karnataka left-arm spinner has been one of the main-stays of the Indian team over the years. She has been able to retain her spot in the national team due to her economical bowling.

In 51 T20 internationals, Gaykwad, who is currently ranked 14th in the world, has taken 58 wickets at an economy rate of 6.13. She has registered herself with a base price of Rs 40 Lakhs and with spin bowling likely to help in Indian conditions, she is likely to get a little higher fee.

2. Sarah Glenn (England)

The English leg-spinner is the second tweaker on the list and is currently ranked fourth in the ICC Women's T20I bowlers ranking.

The 23-year-old has take 48 wickets in 41 T20Is at an economy rate of 6.04. She enters the auction at the base price of Rs 30 Lakhs, and is likely to attract bids as she can also score some handy runs at the lower order.

3. Shabnim Ismail (South Africa)

The experienced Protea pacer has performed well for a long time, on international circuit as well as the global T20 leagues. Ismail, who is currently ranked 9th, has great ability to pick wickets early in the innings and in the death as well.

In her over 16 year career, Shabnim has taken 115 wickets in 107 matches at brilliant economy of 5.76. The 34-year-old is likely to be one of the biggest buys during the auction. She comes in with a base price of Rs 40 Lakhs and may trigger a bidding war as she will be called out early in the auction.

4. Megan Schutt (Australia)

The seasoned Aussie pacer has showcased her ability in the shortest format on international stage as well as the T20 leagues. She is currently the highest wicket-taker in Australia's Women's Big Bash League (WBBL).

Schutt is also the fifth highest wicket-taker in T20 Internationals with 114 wickets in 90 matches at an economy rate of 6.22. The 30-year-old Aussie, who enters the auction at Rs 40 Lakhs, will be on the wish-lists of all the five franchises.

5. Renuka Singh (India)

The Indian pacer has been at the top her game since 2021, picking 24 wickets in her 27 international appearances in T20s at an economy rate of 6.40. She is terrific with the new ball and decent in the death, making her the most wanted Indian pacer in the auction.

The 27-year-old, who is ranked 8th, enters the auction with a base price of Rs 40 Lakhs and could end up being one of the expensive buy at the WPL 2023 auction.