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Sophie Ecclestone falls out of fancy crore club: Smartest bargain buys during WPL 2026 auction



Sophie Ecclestone for UP Warriorz - (Source: AFP)Sophie Ecclestone for UP Warriorz - (Source: AFP)

The 2nd ever mega-auction in the history of Women's Premier League concluded in New Delhi on Thursday, November 27, where 277 players went under the hammer, and eventually, a total of 67 players were bought by five franchises. 

There were several surprising calls in the auction, such as Alyssa Healy and Chamari Athapaththu finding no bidders. Further, several high-profile players were sold at a bargain, and this article will shed light on these cricketers.

1. Sophie Ecclestone - 85 Lakhs

The biggest shock of the night was Sophie Ecclestone going to UP Warriorz for just 85 lakhs. A player of such big stature was expected to earn crores and end up as one of the biggest buys in the entire auction.

Notably, the Delhi Capitals were invested in Ecclestone and almost had their women for 85 lakhs when UP raised the paddle to exercise their RTM. Interestingly, the Capitals could have increased the bid value a bit more, but decided to let go of the player to UP for just 85 lakhs.

Ecclestone was earning a whopping 1.80 crores, but now UP has retained her services for just 85 lakhs, saving nearly a crore in wages from the previous season. 

Let's look at Sophie Ecclestone's WPL record

Tournament
Innings
Wickets
Strike-rate
Economy
WBBL 20256
6
21.006.99
Women's World Cup 2025
7
16
21.004.06
The Hundred 202581016.006.56
WPL 20258921.00
6.88


2. Nadine de Klerk - 65 lakhs

The 25-year-old international was another steal buy in WPL 2026 mega-auction. The South Africa star player who is shining bright in WBBL, registered in WPL auction at a base price of 30 lakhs.

Gujarat Giants were the first to show interest in Klerk before RCB and DC jumped in. However, the DC and GG quickly backed off and the player eventually went to the Challengers at a low price of 65 lakhs.

It was a jump in salary from 30 lakhs in WPL 2025, but there is no denying that Klerk deserved a lot more. 

Let's look at Klerk's WPL record and recent performances

Tournament
Innings
Wickets
Strike-rate
Economy
WBBL 20255
5
15.00
8.31
Women's World Cup 2025
7
9
29.00
5.30
SA-W vs WIW T20Is
3
130.00
8.20
Tournament
Innings
Runs
Strike-rate
Average
WBBL 20256
133
141.49
22.17
Women's World Cup 2025
7
208
131.65
52.00
SA-W vs WIW T20Is
3
46
106.9823.00


3. Kranti Gaud - 50 lakhs

Kranti was the biggest surprise of the Women's World Cup as the right-arm seamer emerged as one of the best bowlers in the tournament. In WPL 2025, she played for UP Warriorz at a base price of 10 lakhs. 

In this mega-auction, Gaud saw an increase of 40 lakhs and went to UP Warriorz at her base price of 50 lakhs. However, if we look at her recent performances and given she was a stand-out player for India during ODI World Cup, Gaud was expected to earn a lot more than 50 lakhs and will definitely go as a bargain buy in the auction.

Let's look at Kranti Gaud's WPL record and recent performances

Tournament
Innings
Wickets
Strike-rate
Economy
Women's World Cup 2025
8
9
42.00
5.73
AUS vs IND 2025
3
5
28.00
5.83
WPL 20258622.009.45
INDW vs ENGW3914.006.23