Deepti Sharma and Harleen Deol Emerge as Top Targets Ahead of WPL 2026 Mega Auction
New Delhi, Nov 26 — With the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction drawing closer, discussions across franchises have intensified — and at the centre of it all are two of India’s most consistent performers: all-rounder Deepti Sharma and top-order batter Harleen Deol. Both players are expected to trigger fierce bidding wars as teams seek to strengthen their Indian core ahead of the tournament’s most crucial auction yet.
The conversations gathered momentum on JioHotstar’s special pre-auction show, Most Wanted: WPL 2026 Auction, where former cricketers analysed franchise strategies and predicted the breakout stars of this year’s bidding.
Deepti Sharma: The Most Valuable All-Rounder of the Auction
Former Indian captain Anjum Chopra highlighted Deepti’s extraordinary value heading into the mega auction, calling her “one of the most complete and dependable players available this year.” Chopra believes that Deepti’s dual utility — stabilising the middle order while being a frontline spin option — makes her indispensable for any team seeking balance and reliability.
According to Chopra:
- Gujarat Giants are expected to be major contenders for Deepti.
- Delhi Capitals may also go after her for her all-round capabilities.
- UP Warriorz, who have built around Indian all-rounders in previous seasons, remain strong candidates as well.
Deepti enters the WPL 2026 auction at a career-high. She recently won the Player of the Tournament award in the Women’s ODI World Cup, delivering match-winning performances with both bat and ball. She has also been a consistent impact player across previous WPL seasons, making her one of the rare talents who can influence the game in all three departments.
Veda Krishnamurthy, also part of the analysis panel, echoed Chopra’s assessment. Veda noted that Deepti’s tactical discipline and tournament temperament make her “a guaranteed hot pick” in the auction. She added that every franchise looking for a strong Indian core will have Deepti at the top of their shortlist.
Harleen Deol: A Surprise Release and a Highly Contested Batter
One of the biggest talking points of the pre-auction discussions was the Gujarat Giants’ unexpected decision to release Harleen Deol, a move that caught several analysts by surprise.
Chopra described Harleen as a “multi-talented cricketer with strong batting technique and potential leadership qualities,” noting that her release makes her one of the most attractive Indian batters in the pool. Harleen’s ability to contribute with the ball, combined with her athletic fielding, has made her a dependable option across formats.
Despite her release, Harleen has been one of the Giants’ most consistent players since the league began, and her improved batting approach over the past two domestic seasons has made her a trusted middle-order option.
Analysts believe Harleen will be aggressively pursued by multiple franchises due to:
- The scarcity of top-tier Indian batters in the auction pool
- Her leadership potential
- Her ability to anchor an inning while rotating strike efficiently
- Her growing confidence as a part-time bowler
Franchises Prepare for a High-Stakes Bidding War
With both stars entering the auction at the peak of their careers, a fierce contest is expected among franchises looking to build stable, long-term squads ahead of the 2026 season.
Teams such as:
- Gujarat Giants, who must rebuild after a disappointing run
- Royal Challengers Bangalore, looking for proven Indian match-winners
- UP Warriorz, who value spin-bowling all-rounders
- Delhi Capitals, known for their strong Indian player strategy
are all expected to make serious bids.
This year’s mega auction will allow teams to reconfigure their squads from scratch, meaning Indian players with international pedigree will naturally attract the biggest numbers.
As the countdown to the WPL 2026 mega auction continues, Deepti Sharma and Harleen Deol have emerged unmistakably as the biggest storylines of the season. Their form, versatility and leadership qualities make them central to every franchise’s blueprint for a title challenge. With the league expanding in popularity and competitiveness each year, the upcoming auction could redefine team dynamics and set the stage for the most intensely contested WPL season yet.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
Deepti Sharma and Harleen Deol stand at the heart of the WPL 2026 mega auction narrative. Their rise reflects the growing strength of Indian women’s cricket and the increasing value franchises place on multi-skilled, temperamentally strong domestic talent. As teams prepare for their bids, the auction is poised to deliver drama, surprises and new power shifts in the league.