Top 3 blunders at WPL 2026 Mega Auction

The WPL 2026 Mega Auction in New Delhi witnessed heavy spending and bidding wars as all five franchises looked to revamp their squads for the new cycle. While several teams made strong, well-planned acquisitions, such as the Mumbai Indians securing Amelia Kerr, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru strengthening their overseas core, and UP Warriorz spending on big names, some decisions raised questions.

A few calls stood out as clear auction-day blunders. Mumbai Indians’ retentions despite a thin pace unit, Delhi Capitals’ heavy investment in Chinelle Henry despite other gaps, Gujarat Giants’ failure to secure reliable Indian batting options, RCB’s weakness in the Indian middle order, and UP Warriorz ignoring the need for an experienced wicketkeeper all triggered discussions.

Here are 3 blunders at WPL 2026 Mega Auction

3. Injured Pratika Rawal bought by UP Warriorz

UP Warriorz took a surprising decision by signing injured India opener Pratika Rawal for INR 50 lakh. While Pratika is undeniably a rising player, her current fitness status makes it doubtful if she will participate in the tournament. The opener scored 308 runs in the 2025 Women's Wolrld Cup and finished as the tournament’s fourth-highest run-getter. However, she has been out of action since suffering ankle and knee injuries against Bangladesh. The setback was serious enough to rule her out of both the semifinal and final matches India eventually won.

Despite going unsold multiple times and her recovery timeline still unclear, UP Warriorz picked her in the accelerated round. Now with the franchise picking her, they don't have the option to name a replacement if Rawal fails to recover on time or injures herself during the competition.