Deepti Sharma, an Indian all-rounder, became the biggest headline of the WPL 2026 mega auction when UP Warriorz used their Right to Match card in her name and brought her back for a huge amount of INR 3.2 crore. Deepti was released by the franchise before the auction, but her strong form in the ODI World Cup made her one of the most wanted this year. She also became the first player of the auction to cross the INR 3 crore mark. Delhi Capitals opened the bidding at INR 50 lakh, but, to the surprise of many, no other franchise jumped into the battle. UP Warriorz immediately utilised their RTM card to allow Delhi Capitals an opportunity to increase their bid. DC took it all the way up to INR 3.2 crore, which the Warriorz matched to seal Deepti’s return. Deepti is back to where she belongs 💪For UP. From UP. 💛#UPWarriorz #UttarDega #TATAWPL #TATAWPLAuction pic.twitter.com/CWXmdDDLyJ — UP Warriorz (@UPWarriorz) November 27, 2025 She thus became the joint-second most expensive buy in the history of WPL, along with Ashleigh Gardner, while Smriti Mandhana remains at the top with her INR 3.4 crore contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Deepti was earlier part of the Warriorz setup on a INR 2.6 crore contract. Her new deal means the franchise ended up spending INR 60 lakh more to re-sign her. Over the last three WPL seasons, she has proved her worth with both bat and ball, scoring 507 runs and picking 27 wickets in 25 matches. Also Read | Shocking! BCCI likely to back Gautam Gambhir despite humiliating losses at home: Reports Deepti Sharma Shines in ODI World Cup 2025 Deepti's price at the auction shot up considerably because of her stellar performance in the ODI World Cup 2025. She not only helped India clinch the trophy but also ended up as the Player of the Tournament. She managed to score 215 runs with three half-centuries and finished top in the wickets tally with 22 wickets. Her biggest performance came in the final. She scored a steady 58 from 58 balls to help India reach 298/7. Later, she took 5/39 in a key spell that stopped South Africa's chase just when captain Laura Wolvaardt looked dangerous. South Africa were bowled out for 246, giving India a 52-run victory and highlighting Deepti's match-winning qualities. She is capable of contributing in all areas, making her one of the most valued players in women's cricket today. UP Warriorz Use RTM for Sophie Ecclestone Too The Warriorz were not done yet. They also used their RTM card to bring back England all-rounder Sophie Ecclestone for INR 85 lakh. Delhi Capitals tried to secure her, but were outplayed once again by the Warriorz. Both Deepti and Ecclestone are back in the squad, bolstering the UP Warriorz core for the 2026 season.