Former Indian cricketer Anjum Chopra said all-rounder Deepti Sharma will likely be a primary target for several franchises during the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction.
Sharma's status as one of India's most dependable all-round talents makes her a critical asset for teams looking to balance their rosters. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball often dictates the tactical flexibility of a squad during a high-stakes tournament.
Chopra said that Sharma's consistency and reliability are key drivers for her projected value. The former player said that teams including Gujarat Giants, Delhi Capitals, and UP Warriorz could potentially bid for the player [2]. This anticipation comes as franchises prepare their strategies for the 2026 mega auction [1].
The mega auction serves as a pivotal moment for the league, allowing teams to reshape their cores and acquire marquee players. Because all-rounders provide dual utility, they typically command higher attention and bidding wars compared to specialized players.
Sharma has established herself as a cornerstone of the national team. Her performance in international fixtures continues to reinforce her reputation as a dependable player who can perform under pressure, a trait that franchise owners prioritize when building championship-contending teams [2].
As the 2026 auction approaches, the competition for top-tier Indian talent is expected to intensify. The strategic pursuit of players like Sharma reflects the growing professionalization and commercial scale of the WPL as it seeks to elevate the standard of women's cricket in India [1, 2].
“Deepti Sharma will likely be a primary target for several franchises”
The projected high demand for Deepti Sharma underscores the premium value placed on versatile all-rounders in the T20 format. In a mega auction setting, where teams reset their rosters, securing a dependable player who can stabilize both the bowling and batting lineups is a strategic priority that often leads to record-breaking bids.
