India’s star all-rounder Deepti Sharma hit a major milestone at the WPL 2026 mega auction, securing a stunning ₹3.2 crore deal with UP Warriorz. The franchise used its Right to Match (RTM) card to bring her back, making her the first player in the auction to cross the ₹3 crore mark.
Deepti entered the auction in the opening round, immediately attracting interest. Delhi Capitals began the bidding at ₹50 lakh, and with no other teams entering the contest, they pushed the bid all the way to ₹3.2 crore. UP Warriorz then exercised their RTM card, matching the amount and reacquiring the all-rounder they had released before the auction.
With this bid, Deepti is now the joint second-most expensive player in WPL history, alongside Ashleigh Gardner. Smriti Mandhana remains the highest-paid player with her ₹3.4 crore contract at Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
A Valuable Return for UP Warriorz
Deepti was previously signed by the Warriorz for ₹2.6 crore, meaning the team chose to invest ₹60 lakh more to secure her services again. Her consistent all-round performances—507 runs and 27 wickets in 25 matches—highlight her importance as a dependable match-winner in the league.
Dominant ODI World Cup Performance
Deepti’s recent form has only strengthened her reputation. During the ODI World Cup 2025, she emerged as the Player of the Tournament, scoring 215 runs, including three half-centuries, and finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets.
In the final against South Africa, she delivered a standout all-round performance. Her fluent 58 runs helped India post 298/7, and she followed it up with a match-defining spell of 5/39, dismantling the opposition and securing India’s 52-run victory. Her contributions were crucial in shifting the momentum and sealing the title for India.
UP Warriorz Strengthen Squad Further
Besides Deepti, UP Warriorz also used their RTM card to retain all-rounder Sophie Ecclestone for ₹85 lakh, once again edging out Delhi Capitals and subtly reshaping the auction dynamics.
With Deepti and Ecclestone back in the lineup, UP Warriorz enter WPL 2026 with renewed strength and balance.
