WPL 2023: 5 players who couldn't justify their auction price tags

The inaugural edition of the Women's Premier League was a resounding success as it piqued the interest of viewers not only in India but also globally. The final between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals turned out to be a hard-fought contest as Mumbai's Nat Sciver-Brunt lived to her reputation and guided her side to triumph in the finale.

Apart from the English all-rounder, several high-profile cricketers fulfilled the expectations of their franchises in the marquee event. Among the international stars, the likes of Marizanne Kapp, Hayley Matthews and Meg Lanning took the stage by storm whereas Harmanpreet Kaur, Shafali Verma and Saika Ishaque were the picks of the players as far as Indians are concerned.

However, several cricketers, who went for hefty sums at the WPL 2023 auction, failed to live up to their price tag.

Here are five cricketers who could not justify their auction price tag in WPL 2023:

5. Devika Vaidya (UP Warriorz) - INR 1.4 crore

One of the Indian all-rounders who failed to live up to her price tag in the inaugural edition of the Women's Premier League was UP Warriroz's Devika Vaidya. The 25-year-old, who made her return to the national setup after a hiatus of eight years at the fag end of 2022, was signed for INR 1.4 crore.

The promising Indian cricketer batted in several positions, from no. 7  to the opening slot, but managed a lowly return of 77 runs in seven matches with an abysmal average of 12.83. Apart from her poor run with the bat, the Pune-born cricketer managed just one wicket in the entirety of the campaign.

Her highest score of the tournament came against Royal Challengers Bangalore in a record-setting opening stand with skipper Alyssa Healy. While Healy blasted her way to a 47 ball 96, Vaidya kept company with an unbeaten 36 of 31 deliveries as the duo smashed 139 runs in just 13 overs for the opening stand.