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Aakash Chopra expects Smriti Mandhana to be the most expensive buy in WPL auction

image-le2fv37qSmriti Mandhana [Source: Twitter]

Former Indian opener and now commentator Aakash Chopra expects star opener Smriti Mandhana to be the most expensive pick in the auction for the inaugural season of the Women's Premier League.

The highly anticipated auction for the first season of WPL will take place in Mumbai on Monday, February 13th. The five teams will each have a budget of ₹12 crores to sign a roster of 18 players, with up to six of those being foreign players.  

Chopra shared his insights on the upcoming auction in a video on his YouTube channel, stating that the captaincy options will likely receive the highest bids. The former Indian opener believes that Smriti Mandhana will be the most in-demand player, citing her impressive performance and leadership skills.

"It will be an interesting auction, because it's happening for the first time. Undoubtedly, Indian players are going to be the most expensive,

"In my opinion, Smriti Mandhana will be the most expensive, followed by Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma. I see Ellyse Perry becoming the skipper for one of the teams. The fifth big-budget pick could be Ashleigh Gardner, Meg Lanning, Nat Sciver, Amelia Kerr, Hayley Matthews or Marizanne Kapp - there is just too much quality." 

The franchises might also consider Jemimah Rodrigues as a potential captain, along with Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma, especially after her match-winning knock in India's high-intensity T20 World Cup 2023 contest against Pakistan. 

The renowned commentator predicted that after Indian players, Australian players are expected to receive the highest amounts in the auction. The likes of Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Alyssa Healy, and Ashleigh Gardner are expected to receive substantial sums at the event.

"All Australian players, who are registered here, will get good money, whether it's Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Alyssa Healy, Ashleigh Gardner or Tahlia McGrath - they are absolutely outstanding."