WPL 2023: Top picks by each team of the Women's Premier League

As the auction commenced on the 13th of this month at the Jio Global Convention Centre, the five franchises created their teams for the Women’s Premier League inaugural season using the conventional process (WPL).

The tournament’s first edition is scheduled in Mumbai from March 4 to March 26. In this journal, we see each franchise’s top picks for their respective arsenals under the hammer. 

Royal Challengers Bangalore- Smriti Mandhana

Smriti Mandhana, the first player being under the hammer, drew a fierce bidding battle between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, with the latter finally luring her in for a staggering Rs 3.4 crore. It made Mandhana the most expensive auction choice and provided Royal Challengers Bangalore with the choice of a suitable and prospective Indian captain.

Mumbai Indians- Natalie Sciver

Natalie Sciver, the impeccable English all-rounder, became the second most expensive player in the inaugural WPL for a colossal Rs 3.2 Crore. And of course, the Mumbai Indians squad’s top pick. Sciver broke into the scene as a skiddy medium-pace bowler, but she enhanced her batting abilities significantly. Sciver holds the distinction of becoming the first bowler in T20 cricket to record a hat-trick. She was a member of England’s World Cup-winning side in 2017 and was named one of five Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 2018 for her contribution to the success.

Delhi Capitals- Jemimah Rodrigues

Jemimah Rodrigues, a phenomenal top-order batter has got roped in by the Delhi Capitals for a staggering Rs. 2.2 Crore. She is undoubtedly the most talented next-generation player on the Indian women’s squad right now. The amount of time she gets to play shots and her easy power-hitting talents, in particular, distinguish her. Adding cherry to the cake, she is an excellent fielder who can play wherever on the field.

Gujarat Giants- Ashleigh Gardner

The new franchise, Gujarat Giants, has broken the bank by acquiring the Aussie off-spinning allrounder Ashleigh Gardner for a whooping Rs 3.2 Cr, making her the second most expensive buy of the season. Gardner has blossomed into a burgeoning star to watch as Australia looks to recapture tonnes of skill with both bat and ball. She went on to play a pivotal part in Australia’s World Cup campaign, and Ashes win.

UP Warriorz- Deepti Sharma

The Agra-born seasoned Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma is all set to represent her home state, UP Warriors. Being bought for a colossal Rs 2.6 Crore, she’s hailed as the second most expensive Indian player in the recent WPL auction. Also, she would be the team’s vice-captain in the upcoming season.