WPL 2026 Auction: Top 6 Released Players Teams Could Bring Back Using RTM Cards

by K D Mishra November 27, 2025

The Women’s Premier League will have its first mega auction on November 27 in Delhi. A total of 277 players, including 83 overseas players, will be available for 73 spots in the teams. The Right-to-Match (RTM) card is expected to be important for the teams.

For the first time, teams can use the RTM card to buy back players from their 2025 squad. UP Warriorz kept only Shweta Sehrawat and have the strongest position with four RTM cards and a total purse of INR 14.50 crore. Gujarat Giants have three RTM cards, but these can only be used for Indian players. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have one RTM card for an uncapped Indian player. Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians kept the maximum five players each, so they will go into the auction without any RTM cards.

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6 Key Released Players Likely to Be Picked Again Through RTM Card

6. Alana King

Alana King, the Australian spinner, could be a good retention (RTM) choice for her former team, UP Warriorz. She played very few matches in the last WPL season. However, her performance in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup totally changed that. She took 13 wickets in seven matches and made history by taking 7/18 against South Africa, helping Australia reach the semi-finals in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025.

In the WBBL 2024-25 season, Alana King took 20 wickets in 10 matches. Her skills can be very useful on Indian pitches. Since good Spin bowlers are rare in the WPL, UP Warriorz might use the RTM card to bring her back.

5. Grace Harris

Australian all-rounder Grace Harris could be a key target for UP Warriorz using their RTM card at the mega-auction. The 32-year-old has been one of the best overseas players in the league. In 22 WPL matches, Harris has scored 581 runs at a strike rate of 140.33, including three fifties, and has been a consistent scorer for the Warriorz.

Harris is also strong with the ball, taking 13 wickets in the league, with a best of 4/15. She recently missed the ODI World Cup because of a calf injury. With her base price of INR 30 lakh and many teams looking for reliable power-hitters, UP Warriorz may use their RTM card to bring her back.

4. Kashvee Gautam

Young fast bowler Kashvee Gautam is one of the most exciting players released who could be picked again through the RTM card. Born in Chandigarh, she made headlines in the 2024 auction when Gujarat Giants bought her for INR 2 crore, making her the most expensive uncapped Indian player.

Even though she was released before the 2026 auction, she is likely to be a top RTM pick for the Giants. Her base price is INR 30 lakh, and she can help strengthen the team’s Indian pace attack. In nine WPL matches, she has taken 11 wickets at an economy of 6.45. At 22, she is a good fit for the uncapped RTM spot, offering the team a young fast-bowling talent who can also score useful runs in the lower order.

3.Kranti Gaud

One of India’s most promising young fast bowlers is Kranti Gaud, whose recent performances have established her as an excellent player for a Right to Match (RTM) in the WPL 2026. As a member of the Indian Women’s ODI World Cup-winning squad, the right-arm seam bowler took eight wickets in nine matches. Kranti’s ability to take wickets during the Power Play and build pressure on batters has made her an asset on all formats of cricket.

Many teams will be closely monitoring Kranti’s performance and will certainly take her heavily in her the Mega Auction. MI and UP Warriorz view her as a potential difference maker, and both teams are currently looking to build up their bowling lineups before the tournament kicks off. Following her success at the World Cup, it is likely that Kranti will command a contract worth similar to those of many of the seasoned veterans playing in the tournament.

2. Harleen Deol

Star Indian batter Harleen Deol is likely to be one of the big names in the WPL 2026 auction. The Gujarat Giants may consider using their RTM card to bring her back. She was earlier picked at a base price of INR 40 lakh but was released ahead of the mega auction. With only two players retained, the team needs experienced Indian batters and strong middle-order players.

Harleen has scored 482 runs in 20 WPL matches at an average of 30.12, including two fifties. Last season, she scored 232 runs in nine games at an average of 38.66 with a strike rate over 120. Former India captain Anjum Chopra praised her as a multi-talented player every team will want. In the recent World Cup, Harleen scored 169 runs in five innings.

1. Deepti Sharma

Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma is available, with UP Warriorz intent to use the Right To Match (RTM)M card on this player being extremely high this season. Deepti was named Player of the Tournament at the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 after taking 22 wickets during that tournament.

Thus she is currently in great form, which will assist the UP Warriorz in retaining their star player. With over 500 runs and 27 wickets in 25 total WPL matches, Deepti has emerged as one of WPL’s most dependable all-rounders. However, Gujarat Giants, who are also looking for strong Indian batters and bowlers, could go hard for Deepti, who is one of the most expensive players at the auction

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