Mumbai: The TATA WPL 2026 auction witnessed some headline-making moves, including UP Warriorz securing Sophie Ecclestone for ₹85 lakh via right-to-match, Amelia Kerr returning to Mumbai Indians for ₹3 crore, and Delhi Capitals signing Shree Charani for ₹1.3 crore. On JioStar’s Match Centre Live Auction Special, cricket experts Aakash Chopra, Anjum Chopra, and Mithali Raj analyzed the auction dynamics, highlighting the significance of these acquisitions.
Aakash Chopra commented on Ecclestone’s price:
“Sophie Ecclestone is primarily a bowler, so her ₹85 lakh price tag is slightly surprising. Only one bowler has fetched more — Shree Charani, which is fitting considering her World Cup-winning performance. UP Warriorz used their RTM card very well.”
On Amelia Kerr’s return to Mumbai Indians, he added:
“Despite a limited purse, Mumbai Indians retained Kerr for ₹3 crore. Having helped MI win two WPL titles, keeping her made strategic sense.”
Anjum Chopra praised Charani’s rise:
“Shree Charani has had an outstanding year — from her debut to winning a World Cup with India. ₹1.3 crore is a fair reward for her hard work and consistency.”
Mithali Raj justified Deepti Sharma’s price:
“Deepti Sharma’s dual skills as a spinner and left-handed batter, along with her ODI World Cup confidence, make her ₹3.2 crore valuation fully deserved.”
She added on UP Warriorz’s auction strategy:
“With Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Meg Lanning, and Phoebe Litchfield, UP Warriorz have built a strong core to compete in the upcoming season.”
