Fresh off India’s historic triumph at the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, the spotlight has already shifted to the next big stage of women’s cricket the WPL 2026 season.
With the mega auction completed, the championship-winning squad has now dispersed across the league, with franchises scrambling to secure proven international performers who shaped India’s path to the world title. From high-value retentions to smart budget buys and one surprising unsold name, here’s a comprehensive look at where each World Cup winning star has landed as teams prepare for WPL 2026.
The Retained Core: Franchises Lock In Their Biggest Match-Winners
Harmanpreet Kaur: Mumbai Indians (Retained)
Mumbai Indians were never going to risk losing their inspirational captain. Harmanpreet’s leadership was crucial in India’s World Cup campaign, especially her semifinal heroics. MI, known for squad stability, stuck with their skipper to retain continuity in both leadership and middle-order stability.
Smriti Mandhana: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Retained)
One of the tournament’s top performers and the backbone of India’s batting, Mandhana remains RCB’s marquee name. Her consistency and elite form made her retention a foregone conclusion, aligning with RCB’s strategy to reinforce their spine with established match-winners.
Jemimah Rodrigues: Delhi Capitals (Retained)
Jemimah’s sensational World Cup — highlighted by her unforgettable 127* in the semifinal — secured her position as a core asset for DC. She carries both the flair and finishing ability needed in pressure scenarios.
Richa Ghosh: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Retained)
A natural finisher and one of the best power-hitting wicketkeepers in world cricket, Richa continues with RCB. Her strike rate and clutch-hitting ability made her retention vital.
Amanjot Kaur: Mumbai Indians (Retained)
MI’s all-round utility player stays with the franchise. Amanjot’s importance lies in her dual capability and the balance she offers. Mumbai’s retention signals trust in their existing Indian core.
Shafali Verma: Delhi Capitals (Retained)
The Player of the Match in the World Cup Final remains a prime asset for DC. Shafali’s explosive starts and part-time off-spin make her one of the most valuable domestic players in the league.
Auction Stars: Who Earned What in WPL 2026
Deepti Sharma: UP Warriorz (RTM, ₹3.20 crore)
The biggest Indian buy of the auction, Deepti’s acquisition via the Right-to-Match card reinforced her irreplaceable value. UP Warriorz were determined not to lose their premier all-rounder. Her price a massive jump from her earlier contract reflects unmatched demand for a player of her versatility and temperament.
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N. Shree Charani: Delhi Capitals (₹1.30 crore)
One of the most exciting young bowlers in India, Charani was one of the hottest names in the auction. DC’s ₹1.30 crore investment signals a long-term strategy to build a potent spin attack around a bowler with proven tournament temperament.
Renuka Singh Thakur: Gujarat Giants (₹60 lakh)
A smart tactical pick, GG strengthened their pace battery with one of India’s best powerplay bowlers. Renuka brings swing, discipline, and wicket-taking ability at a highly efficient price point.
Radha Yadav: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (₹65 lakh)
RCB invested wisely in Radha Yadav, whose left-arm spin adds balance and variety. Her international experience makes her an immediate starter in most matchups.
Arundhati Reddy: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (₹75 lakh)
RCB continued shoring up their domestic bowling by securing Arundhati, a reliable medium pacer with a high work rate. Her World Cup-winning momentum clearly elevated her market value.
Pratika Rawal: UP Warriorz (₹50 lakh)
One of the breakout names of the auction UPW spotted value early and secured Pratika at base price. She offers aggressive batting depth and domestic flexibility.
Harleen Deol: UP Warriorz (₹50 lakh)
Another shrewd UPW buy, Harleen brings energy, top-order stability, and elite fielding. For ₹50 lakh, this is one of the market’s most balanced purchases.
Kranti Goud: UP Warriorz (RTM, ₹50 lakh)
UPW used their RTM card to bring back Kranti. Her all-round utility and familiarity with the squad fit perfectly with the franchise’s reset-and-rebuild strategy.
Sneh Rana: Delhi Capitals (₹50 lakh)
DC added another flexible all-rounder in Sneh Rana. A proven performer in high-pressure games, Rana brings balance and depth to a strong Delhi squad.
The One Surprising Miss: Uma Chetry Goes Unsold
Despite being part of India’s World Cup-winning squad, wicketkeeper Uma Chetry found no buyers at the auction. Her unsold status reflects the brutal competitiveness of the WPL market franchises today prioritize specialized skill sets and immediate-impact players. With top keepers like Richa Ghosh already retained and overseas options abundant, Chetry couldn’t attract a bid, despite her potential.
The Big Picture: WPL 2026 Gets Its Champion Upgrade
The Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 has clearly reshaped the valuation landscape in Indian women’s cricket. Franchises have aggressively targeted world champions, banking on their big-match pedigree, tournament temperament, and proven consistency.
- UP Warriorz made the boldest moves with a ₹4.70 crore outlay on World Cup winners, including Deepti Sharma’s record RTM.
- Delhi Capitals maintained stability while investing heavily in future talent like Charani.
- RCB reinforced their bowling group to support their star batting core.
- Mumbai Indians relied on stability, retaining their champions.
- Gujarat Giants filled a crucial pace-bowling role with Renuka.
Heading into WPL 2026, the league looks stronger, more talent-rich, and more balanced than ever powered by the very players who delivered India a historic World Cup triumph.
