The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 is set to commence on February 23, and the five franchises that will compete for the glittering trophy have been training rigorously before the competition gets underway. The WPL has seen two auctions in its brief career with teams vying for top talent to bolster their squads. Among the notable picks, several players have made headlines with their substantial auction prices and anticipated contributions to their respective teams.
Here’s a rundown of five costliest players who were in the limelight during the WPL auction.
Smriti Mandhana
Indian opener Smriti Mandhana, now the captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), was one of the most sought-after players in the last year's auction, fetching a whopping Rs 3.4 crore. The battle for Mandhana was intense among franchises, but RCB ultimately secured her services, highlighting her as a key player for the team.
Ashleigh Gardner
Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, recognized as one of the top players globally, was a prime target for Gujarat Giants who were keen on adding a solid Australian player to their lineup. Gardner, known for her all-around capabilities, was snapped up for Rs 3.2 crore, making her one of the high-profile acquisitions for the Giants.
Nat Sciver-Brunt
Nat Sciver-Brunt, the English all-rounder, garnered a lot of interest in the first WPL auction and was eventually bought for Rs 3.2 crore. Her reputation as a star player attracted multiple franchises, but she found her place in the league as one of the top picks while playing for Mumbai Indians.
Shafali Verma
Shafali Verma, known for her attacking play as an opener, was picked by Delhi Capitals for Rs 2.6 crore. The Indian batting sensation is expected to bring her explosive style to the top of the order for Delhi.
Jemimah Rodrigues
Mumbai's own Jemimah Rodrigues, who plays for Delhi Capitals, had an impressive first season and was bought for Rs 2.2 crore. Known for her ability to change the game with her batting and fielding, Rodrigues is seen as a vital asset for the Capitals and a potential future captain.
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