When the WPL 2026 mega auction concluded in New Delhi on November 27, 2025, the UP Warriors didn’t just make a splash—they rebuilt their entire identity. Their biggest move? Snagging Harleen Deol for exactly ₹50 lakh, her base price, after Gujarat Giants let her go. It wasn’t a bidding war. It was a statement. After finishing last in WPL 2025 with just three wins in eight matches and a dismal net run rate of -0.624, the Warriors knew they needed grit, experience, and firepower. Harleen, with her 482 runs in 20 WPL matches and a strike rate of 115.58, was exactly that.
Building a Core of Indian All-Rounders
The real story, though, wasn’t Harleen. It was Deepthi Sharma. The Warriors used their Right to Match card to secure her for a record-breaking ₹3.20 crore—the second-highest price ever paid for an Indian woman cricketer in WPL history, behind only Smriti Mandhana’s ₹3.40 crore. Deepthi, the Player of the Tournament at the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, is the engine the Warriors believe can turn their season around. "We knew we wanted her back," said Kshemal Vangnakar, the team’s cricket operations director. "No one else was getting her. We had to act." They didn’t stop there. With another RTM card, they brought back Shikha Pandey for ₹2.40 crore—six times her base price. That’s not just a signing. That’s a declaration: the Warriors are betting hard on Indian all-rounders to carry them into the playoffs. Pandey, with her 110+ strike rate and knack for finishing, adds the finishing touch to a lineup that now includes five Indian players costing over ₹1 crore combined.A Strategic Auction: RTMs, Budgets, and Roster Balance
The Warriors spent ₹14.35 crore on 17 players, leaving just ₹15 lakh unspent from their ₹14.50 crore purse. That’s precision. Four RTM cards were used: Deepthi Sharma (₹3.20 cr), Kiran Navagire (₹60 lakh), Kranti Goud (₹50 lakh), and Sophie Ecclestone (₹85 lakh). The rest were picked in open bidding. Meg Lanning, the Australian captain, went for ₹1.90 crore—making her the most expensive overseas player in the auction. Faye Lichfield, the English all-rounder, was picked for ₹1.20 crore, while Asha Sobhana, Dianne Dotin, and Chloe Tryon were added as depth pieces, all under ₹1 crore. The roster now reads like a blueprint for balance: power hitters, spin wizards, and finishers. Even the low-cost picks—Simran Sheikh, Suman Meena, Gondi Trisha—were chosen for specific roles. No filler. No wasted space. Every name has a purpose.Why This Matters: The Rise of the Indian All-Rounder
The WPL 2026 auction wasn’t just about who bought whom. It was about a seismic shift in how franchises value homegrown talent. In past seasons, overseas stars dominated the price charts. This year, Indian all-rounders like Deepthi and Shikha became the currency of ambition. The Warriors didn’t just buy players—they bought credibility. Deepthi’s performance in the World Cup proved Indian women can anchor teams in high-pressure games. Her presence, paired with Harleen’s consistency and Pandey’s finishing, gives the Warriors a spine they’ve never had.What’s Next for UP Warriors?
They finished last. They’ve now spent nearly half their budget on three players. The pressure is on. Can this new-look team turn around their 2025 collapse? The schedule won’t be kind: they’ll face the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bangalore, early in the season. But the confidence inside the camp is palpable. "We’re not rebuilding," said Vangnakar. "We’re redefining." Harleen, who spent last season in Gujarat, now has a fresh start. She’s no longer the supporting act. She’s part of the core. And with Deepthi bowling her 10 overs and Harleen anchoring the middle order, the Warriors have the tools to climb out of the basement.Behind the Numbers: The WPL 2026 Auction Snapshot
- Total spent in auction: ₹40.8 crore across 67 players (23 overseas)
- Most expensive Indian player: Deepthi Sharma (₹3.20 crore)
- Most expensive overseas player: Meg Lanning (₹1.90 crore)
- RTM cards used by UP Warriors: 4 (Deepthi, Kiran, Kranti, Sophie)
- UP Warriors’ 2025 record: 3 wins, 5 losses, NRR -0.624
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did UP Warriors let go of their previous core players?
The Warriors retained only Shweta Sahrawat before the auction, indicating a deliberate reset. With a poor 2025 season and financial constraints, they chose to rebuild rather than carry underperforming contracts. This allowed them to target high-impact players like Deepthi Sharma and Shikha Pandey, who fit their new strategy of prioritizing Indian all-rounders over overseas stars.
How does Harleen Deol’s signing impact UP Warriors’ batting lineup?
Harleen brings stability at No. 4 or 5, a position the Warriors lacked in 2025. With a strike rate of 115.58 and two half-centuries in 20 matches, she can anchor innings after powerplay losses. Her presence allows Shikha Pandey and Deepthi Sharma to play more freely at the death, creating a balanced middle-order trio that can adapt to any chase or target.
What makes Deepthi Sharma worth ₹3.20 crore?
Deepthi is the only Indian woman with a proven record of delivering in World Cup finals and high-stakes WPL matches. She bowls 10 overs of economical spin (economy under 6.5 in WPL 2025), bats in the top 6, and takes crucial wickets. Her all-round value—especially in the middle overs—is unmatched among Indian players, making her a franchise cornerstone.
How does UP Warriors’ spending compare to other teams in WPL 2026?
UP Warriors spent the fourth-highest amount among the five franchises, behind Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. But their spending was the most targeted: 70% of their budget went to four Indian all-rounders. Other teams spread money across overseas stars. UP’s strategy prioritizes depth and homegrown leadership—a long-term play.
Can UP Warriors realistically challenge for the title in 2026?
Yes—if their new core gels quickly. With Deepthi Sharma leading the bowling, Harleen Deol stabilizing the middle, and Meg Lanning as captain, they have the talent. But their 2025 record shows inconsistency. Their success hinges on adapting to pressure situations and improving their net run rate. If they win five of their first eight matches, a playoff run is very possible.
What’s the significance of using four RTM cards?
Using four RTM cards is rare—it signals a franchise’s deep commitment to retaining specific players, often at premium prices. For UP Warriors, it meant locking in Deepthi Sharma and Shikha Pandey before other teams could outbid them. It also shows they were willing to sacrifice flexibility for certainty, betting that these two players are worth the financial and strategic cost.