India star batter Smriti Mandhana has been sold to Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 3.4 crore in the first edition of Women’s Premier League 2023. Whereas, India’s skipper Harmanpreet Kaur will join Mumbai Indians for INR 1.8 crore.
In the first edition of the Women’s Premiere League auction, the very first bid started with India vice-captain and star-batter Smriti Mandhana. The bid started with her base price of INR 50 lakh. For the star batter, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians fought from the first call and showed their intent. But, in the end Royal Challengers Bangalore bagged her for a great price of INR 3.4 crore. A video flashed on social media in which the whole Indian women’s team congratulated S. Mandhana and erupted in joy after the record break auction price.
In addition, RCB also bought Australia fierce pacer Ellyse Perry for INR 1.7 crore and India fast bowler Renuka Singh for INR 1.2 crore and invested almost 50% of its purse value on three players.
On the other hand, Mumbai Indians who were satisfied with Mandhana’s loss bagged other great name in their squad and bought India captain and fearless batter Harmanpreet Kaur for INR 1.8 crore. Initially, Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore were battling for Indian skipper but later Mumbai Indian came into the race and took the bid to INR 1.10 crore and received the services of Kaur.
As the bid started for Sharma with a base price of INR 50 lakhs, Mumbai Indians showed interest and raised the bid to INR 55 lakh. Quickly the bid shoots up to INR 1.2 crore. But, UP Warriorz got stuck to the player’s bid and added her to its squad for INR 2.6 crore.
At present, Deepti Sharma holds the second rank as the ICC WT20I best all-rounder with 406 rating points. Essentially Deepti Sharma plays as an off-break bowler and holds the middle order in the Indian batting line-up. Sharma holds a great record in the WT20I career in which she has scored 914 runs and took 97 wickets with a decent economy of 6.12 in 88 matches.
Apart from Deepti Sharma, UP Warriorz has invested good money in some quality players including; English fast-bowler Sophie Ecclestone INR 1.8 crore will hold the bowling department with her accurate bowling with a great economy of 6. She has taken 86 wickets in 65 matches with great bowling SR of 16.48.
An all-round back up as Tahila Mcgrath INR 1.4 crore, Shabnim Ismail INR 1 crore, Alyssa Healy INR 70 lakh, Anjali Sarvani INR 55 lakh, Rajeshwari Gayakwad INR 40 lakh, youngster Shweta Sehwarat INR 40 lakh, Parshavi Chopra INR 10 lakh and S Yashasri INR 10 lakh.
For now, expectations are high for the very first edition of Women’s Premier League Auction and many skilful player are yet in the bidding bag.