WPL 2026: Deepti Sharma Becomes WPL's 2nd Most Expensive Player As UP Warriorz Use RTM At THIS PRICE

Deepti Sharma Joins UP Warriorz, WPL 2026 Auction: India's senior all-rounder Deepti Sharma has made her way back to the UP Warriorz as she was bought by the franchise for a massive price of Rs 3.2 crore in the WPL 2026 auction, which is taking place in New Delhi on Thursday.

UP-W engaged in a Right to Match (RTM) standoff with Delhi Capitals before Deepti got a massive surge in her value and is going to play for her current team in the WPL 2026. She was part of the marquee list that was introduced in the mega auction and had a base price of Rs 50 lakh. Delhi Capitals appeared set to secure the all-rounder for Rs. 50 lakh before the bidding escalated, with UP deciding to exercise its RTM card.

Deepti, for now, is the second-most expensive Indian player, trailing teammate Smriti Mandhana, who was signed by RCB for Rs 3.4 crore. Released by UP Warriorz ahead of the mega auction, the veteran Indian star had led the franchise last season in the absence of injured Australia skipper Alyssa Healy. The 28-year-old entered the much-awaited mega auction on the back of a memorable outing in the recently concluded Women's World Cup 2025.

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As India lifted the maiden Women's WC title, Deepti was named the Player of the Tournament as she played a pivotal role in the team's memorable campaign. She finished the tournament with 215 runs and 22 wickets, including a match-defining half-century and a five-wicket haul in the final against South Africa. Across three WPL seasons, Deepti has scored 507 runs and claimed 27 wickets in 25 matches.

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Warriorz, who entered the auction with the highest prize purse of Rs 14.5 crore, was very active as they exercised their other RTM card to buy back senior England spinner Sophie Ecclestone for Rs 85 Lakh.

In more interesting action from the initial marquee list, the Mumbai Indians bought last season's joint highest wicket-taker, New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr, for Rs 3 crore. On the other hand, Gujarat Giants bought Devine for Rs 2 crore while UP Warriorz bagged Lanning, who led Delhi Capitals to three consecutive finals, for Rs 1.90 crore after a bidding war with DC.