3 uncapped players to watch WPL 2026
The teams in the WPL 2026 mega auction went all out to form a strong lineup. Star players were selected first, and then the teams concentrated on uncapped and unknown players. Young players shone in their regional games and generated quite an interest in them. The current season is likely to spot new talents in the WPL and give them an opportunity to make it to the national teams.
Milly Illingworth
Australia's Milly Illingworth is one to watch in the upcoming WPL. The young fast bowler was picked by Mumbai Indians for INR 10 lakh defending champions in the WPL auction, which was her first contract as she was picked after going unsold earlier. Known for her slingy bowling action and a sharp bouncer, already top batters were troubled in the WBBL. She has taken 18 wickets in 28 WBBL innings in T20 cricket at an economy rate of 7.28. She was also part of the 2023 U19 Women's T20 World Cup squad. Now, coming under one umbrella with world-class players at MI, she has a big scope to grow. If she can adapt well in Indian conditions, Milly Illingworth could prove out to be a surprise match-winner in WPL 2026.
Anushka Sharma
With this, Anushka Sharma has become the most expensive uncapped player in the league's history. Gujarat Giants bought the 22-year-old all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh for ₹45 lakh after engaging in a bidding fight with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. She is known for her strong batting and bowling skills and has been in great form in domestic cricket. Anushka averages 63 in List A, scored runs at a strike rate of 125 in the Senior Women's Inter-Zonal T20 Trophy, and did well in the Senior Women's T20 Trophy. Teams rate her highly because she can perform in both departments and also handle pressure with ease. Now, with the big buy, Anushka will be expected to prove her worth with strong performances for Gujarat Giants.
Deeya Yadav
Deeya Yadav, a 16-year-old, is one of the youngsters to look out for in WPL 2026. The Delhi Capitals acquired her for a price of ₹10 lakh in the WPL mega auction, making her the youngest girl ever to receive a WPL contract.Deeya has been likened to her role model Shafali Verma, particularly after her knock of 213 in the 2023 U-15 One-Day Cup. Deeya also happened to be Haryana’s second-highest run-getter in Senior Women’s T20 Trophy after scoring 298 runs at an average of 59.60, only behind Shafali Verma. Her performance did not stop there; in the Inter-zonal and U23 T20, she played some crucial knocks for her side. One of them came in the finals, where she scored 33 not out, helping Haryana lift its first-ever trophy in the tournament by winning the final match.