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"Your options are limited...": Coaches reveal why Healy went unsold in WPL auction

Mayank

Alyssa Healy could not find buyers for base price of 50 lakh [Source- loyal_cskian/X.com]Alyssa Healy could not find buyers for base price of 50 lakh [Source- loyal_cskian/X.com]

The Women's Premier League (WPL) witnessed its first mega auction, where players were reshuffled, and squads were rebuilt on Thursday evening in New Delhi for the upcoming cycle of two seasons.

In a shocking turn of events, Australia captain Alyssa Healy was one of the high-profile names who could not find buyers for her base price of 50 lakh (INR), despite her impeccable record in white ball cricket, winning 8 World Cups, including 6 T20 World Cups with the Aussies.

She was released into the auction by UP Warriorz and was a part of the marquee player set, expected to find bidders. However, upon going unsold, here's the reasoning given by coaches from different franchises for not bidding for Healy.

Coaches explain why Alyssa Healy went unsold

The new UP-W head coach Abhishek Nayar felt the need for all-rounders in T20 cricket could be a key reason for teams opting out of bidding for the star opening batter.

"Alyssa Healy going unsold was surprising for different reasons. When you're allowed only four overseas players [in the XI], your options are limited, and many teams prefer allrounders in their set-up. It's a tough situation for someone of her stature," said Nayar, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's new bowling coach, Anya Shrubsole, explained her team combination and how their top-5 lineup does not find a room for the explosive batter.

"We have a very strong top order, and Georgia Voll gives us some offspin as well. With Richa Ghosh [as a wicketkeeper-batter] in the top five, going for Healy didn't make sense for us," said Shrubsole.

The Delhi Capitals' head coach Jonathan Batty further opened up about having Healy as part of their discussions, but eventually spoke of the team combination and ended up signing Indian keeper Taniya Bhatia (30 lakh) and South Africa's Lizelle Lee (30 lakh).

Warriorz went for Shipra Giri for 10 lakh, while Gujarat Giants had retained Beth Mooney and bought Yastika Bhatia for 50 lakh, and Mumbai Indians had retained G Kamalini and added Rahila Firdous in the roster.

So far, in 17 WPL games, Healy has 428 runs to her name at a strike rate of 130.48. She had missed the last season due to an injury and could be seen replaced as captain by former teammate Meg Lanning and Phoebe Litchfield could also emerge as a wicketkeeping option for them.