The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has quickly become the most important financial and competitive landscape in women’s cricket. With the Mega Auction officially set for November 27, 2025, every franchise is gearing up for a high-stakes, purse-emptying showdown. This year’s auction is crucial, not only because star international players like Meg Lanning and Alyssa Healy are back in the pool, but because the domestic talent pool is deeper and more valuable than ever. The success of any WPL franchise hinges on its ability to identify and secure the right talent, particularly the gems among the WPL 2026 auction, Indian domestic players to watch WPL 2026.
The entire league is buzzing with STRATEGIC planning. Teams like UP Warriorz, holding the largest purse (₹14.5 Crore) and four Right to Match (RTM) cards, are looking to overhaul their squads. Meanwhile, defending champions Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, which retained their core, will look to plug specific holes. With 73 total slots available, 50 of which are reserved for Indian players, the competition for the best domestic talent will be fierce. This comprehensive guide details the biggest targets among the WPL 2026 auction, Indian domestic players to watch WPL 2026.
The Domestic Power Surge: The Real WPL 2026 Auction, Indian Domestic Players to Watch WPL 2026
The true test of a franchise’s scouting network lies in its ability to unearth gems from the domestic circuit. The 2025 Senior Women’s T20 Trophy saw several players deliver career-defining performances, putting them firmly on the radar for high bids in the WPL 2026 auction. Indian domestic players to watch WPL 2026.
1. Kiran Navgire (Power-hitter)
Kiran Navgire, the power-hitter from Maharashtra, has been in fine touch in the domestic circuit.6 Her form is sensational, evidenced by her massive strike rates in the concluded domestic tournaments:
- Senior Women’s T20 Trophy Strike Rate: 235.35
- Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal T20 Strike Rate: 177.53
These figures were the most in the respective tournaments by any player. Moreover, she broke the record for the fastest T20 century when she notched up a ton in 34 balls, surpassing Sophie Devine’s 36-ball record set in 2021.7 This explosive power-hitting ability makes Navgire a potential multi-crore signing for any team seeking an Indian finisher or destructive opener, positioning her as a top name among the WPL 2026 auction, Indian domestic players to watch WPL 2026.
2. Vrinda Dinesh (Batter)
The 2025 WPL edition was a forgettable one for the Karnataka batter, where she could only amass 84 runs in seven matches. However, her recent purple patch makes her a compelling re-purchase candidate. In the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, she finished as the third-highest run-getter with 316 runs, including a highest score of 118 not out. Her return to form makes her a low-base-price, high-potential investment for teams prioritizing domestic anchors.
3. Vaishnavi Sharma (Left-Arm Spinner)
Spinners are crucial in Indian conditions, and Vaishnavi Sharma, the teen from Madhya Pradesh, is generating immense buzz. She was part of the Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup-winning Indian team earlier this year and was even named in the Team of the Tournament for her 17 wickets. Her domestic T20 returns have been prolific:
- Senior Women’s T20 Trophy: Most wickets (21)
- Inter-Zonal T20 Trophy: Joint-most wickets (12)
Her consistent wicket-taking and the scarcity of quality Indian left-arm spinners mean she will be a high priority for franchises aiming to dominate the middle overs.
4. Anuja Patil (Experienced Off-Spinner)
The experienced offie, Anuja Patil, led from the front and captained Maharashtra to the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy title, demonstrating leadership and performance.9 She took 17 wickets in the T20 Trophy and followed it up with 11 scalps (the joint second-most) in the Inter-Zonal T20 Trophy for the West Zone. Her leadership qualities combined with proven T20 wicket-taking ability make her a seasoned asset, providing invaluable depth in the list of WPL 2026 auction, Indian domestic players to watch WPL 2026.
5. Nazma Khan & Humaira Kazi (Delhi/Mumbai Threats)
Two other experienced domestic players who deserve attention in the WPL 2026 auction, Indian domestic players to watch WPL 2026 are:
- Nazma Khan (Off-Break Bowler): The off-break bowler from Delhi finished as the highest wicket-taker in the T20 Inter-Zonal tournament with 12 scalps after snaffling out 14 wickets in the T20 Trophy. Her consistency across formats makes her a reliable budget bowling option.
- Humaira Kazi (Experienced Batter): Another experienced player from Mumbai, Humaira Kazi flexed her muscles during the Senior Women’s Trophy, finishing as the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer with 320 runs, smacking 50 boundaries and five sixes. Her diverse strokeplay provides the middle-order stability that WPL teams often seek.
The Marquee Names: Capped Stars to Dominate the Bidding
When the auction hammer drops on November 27, the biggest bids for Indian talent will undoubtedly be reserved for the recently released capped internationals. These players are proven match-winners and will draw multi-crore bids, underlining their importance to the structure of the WPL 2026 auction, Indian domestic players to watch WPL 2026.
1. Deepti Sharma (Base Price: ₹50 Lakh)
Deepti Sharma’s presence in the auction is the biggest shock. The Player of the Tournament at the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup was released by UP Warriorz despite her immense value as a top-order batter and primary off-spinner. Deepti is one of only two Indian players in the elite Marquee Set. Her versatility makes her invaluable—she is a guaranteed four overs with the ball and can anchor or accelerate with the bat. Every team will be chasing her. Expect her final price to breach the ₹2.5 Crore mark, making her a defining purchase in the WPL 2026 auction, Indian domestic players to watch WPL 2026.
2. Renuka Singh Thakur (Base Price: ₹40 Lakh)
The pace bowling department in Indian women’s cricket is thin, which immediately makes Renuka Singh Thakur a gold-dust commodity. Released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Renuka is one of the world’s best swing bowlers in the Powerplay. Teams desperately need a proven Indian pacer to utilize the new ball, and Renuka is the best available option. Her ability to take early wickets in the WPL will drive up her price significantly, placing her in the ₹1.5–₹2 Crore bracket. Her auction fate will be one of the highlights of the WPL 2026 auction, Indian domestic players to watch WPL 2026.
The Final Reckoning: Strategic Bidding Ahead
The WPL 2026 auction is much more than a simple financial transaction; it’s a statement on the priority given to Indian talent. With retention rules forcing major shake-ups, and the combined purse of ₹41.1 Crore fueling the bidding, every franchise knows they must secure their domestic core. The battle for the WPL 2026 auction, Indian domestic players to watch WPL 2026, will be the most exciting part of the day. The fate of marquee players like Deepti Sharma and the emerging domestic star power of Kiran Navgire and Vaishnavi Sharma will define the success of the upcoming season. The next chapter of the WPL begins now, and Indian domestic players are firmly at its center.
