Debutants to watch out for in WPL 2026



Debutants to watch out for in WPL 2026 [Source: @M_Raj03, @Lauren_Bell63/X.com]Debutants to watch out for in WPL 2026 [Source: @M_Raj03, @Lauren_Bell63/X.com]

The WPL 2026 is set to begin on January 9, where a fresh group of debutants are ready to make their mark on the biggest stage of Indian women’s cricket. 

Teenage sensations to international superstars making league debuts for the first time, WPL 2026 is set to introduce new faces, new stories, and new talents at the league.

Here are five debutants who could become the talking point of the season.

1. Lauren Bell

Lauren Bell RCB [Source: @RCBTweets/X.com]Lauren Bell RCB [Source: @RCBTweets/X.com]

Criterion
T20I
Women's 100
Matches3641
Wickets
5060
Average18.3414.91
Economy7.146.81
Best figure4/124/6

(Table: Bell's stats in T20Is and Women's Hundred)

  • Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, Lauren Bell brings something rare to women’s cricket, which is genuine bounce. The England fast bowler was picked up by RCB at ₹90 lakhs.
  • Bell’s height allows her to hit hard lengths and trouble batters with extra lift. She has already impressed in The Hundred and the Women’s Big Bash League. 
  • In the WPL, she could be a handful, especially with the new ball. If Bell finds an early rhythm, she has the tools to change games quickly.

2. Linsey Smith 

Linsey Smith RCB [Source: @Rcb_Xtra/X.com]Linsey Smith RCB [Source: @Rcb_Xtra/X.com]

Criterion
T20I
Women's 100
Matches2237
Wickets
2342
Average23.3919.64
Economy6.646.96
Best figure3/183/12

(Table: Linsey's stats in T20Is and Women's Hundred)

  • Linsey Smith may not be a flashy name, but she is one of the most consistent left-arm spinners in the game today. She is also with RCB in WPL 2026 after being picked up for ₹30 lakhs.
  • Smith has been a regular wicket-taker in domestic leagues across England, Australia and New Zealand. 
  • In Indian conditions, where slow bowling often plays a key role, Smith could be a real asset. Her ability to choke runs in the middle overs and pick up timely wickets makes her a player to watch.

3. Lizelle Lee 

Lizelle Lee [Source: @DelhiCapitals/X.com] Lizelle Lee [Source: @DelhiCapitals/X.com] 

Criterion
T20I
WBBL
Matches82104
Runs
18962770
Average25.6230.10
Strike Rate110.61133.55
100/50
1/135/14

(Table: Lizelle's stats in T20Is and WBBL)

  • Lizelle Lee may not be young, but her WPL debut is highly anticipated. The former South Africa opener has been one of the most destructive batters in women’s cricket over the last decade. 
  • She will play for Delhi Capitals this year after bagging a ₹30 lakh contract during the auction.
  • Her recent record-breaking knocks in the WBBL and domestic cricket show she is still at the peak of her powers. Her experience, aggression and calm presence could be crucial in tight games.

4. Gongadi Trisha

Gongadi Trisha [Source: @ICC/X.com]Gongadi Trisha [Source: @ICC/X.com]

Criterion
T20s
Matches33
Runs
583
Average23.32
100/50
0/3

(Table: Trisha's stats in T20s)

  • Gongadi Trisha arrives with a big reputation. The all-rounder from Telangana was one of the standout performers in India’s U19 World Cup triumphs and created history by scoring the first-ever century in a Women’s U19 T20 World Cup.
  • What makes Trisha special is her balance. She can bat in the top order, bowl useful leg-spin and field with energy. UP Warriorz can surely benefit from her strength.
  • At just 20, she already shows strong game awareness. WPL will test her against senior professionals, but her fearless approach and big-match temperament suggest she is ready for the challenge.

5. Deeya Yadav 

Deeya Yadav [Source: @DelhiCapitals/X.com]Deeya Yadav [Source: @DelhiCapitals/X.com]

  • At just 16, Deeya Yadav is already being spoken about as a future star. Picked up by Delhi Capitals at the mega auction, she became the youngest player ever to earn a WPL contract. Her rise has been rapid and eye-catching.
  • Deeya first grabbed attention with a stunning double century in the U15 One-Day Cup, and since then, she has only grown in confidence. In domestic T20 cricket, she has consistently scored runs at a healthy strike rate and shown maturity beyond her years. 
  • The WPL 2026 could emerge as the stage where she would announce her entry into the cricketing world.