Top 3 uncapped players to watch out for in WPL 2026

During the WPL 2026 mega auctions, franchises went all out to fill in their squads. The marquee names were snapped up, and the spotlight gradually moved to uncapped talent. Several uncapped and lesser-known players attracted strong interest following their domestic returns. This year, WPL is expected to witness raw talent showcase their brilliance and grab eyeballs, which can ultimately show them the way to the national team.

Here are 3 uncapped players to watch out for in WPL 2026

Deeya Yadav 

Sixteen-year-old Deeya Yadav is another exciting player who will be seen in the WPL 2026. The Delhi Capitals secured the teenage sensation for INR 10 lakh at the WPL mega auction, making her the youngest player ever to earn a WPL contract. Deeya has been compared to her idol Shafali Verma ever since her explosive 213 in the 2023 U15 One-Day Cup.

Notably, she finished as Haryana’s second-highest run-scorer behind Shafali in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, scoring 298 runs at an average of 59.60. Her brilliance continued in the Inter-zonal and U23 T20 tournaments, where she played important knocks, including a 33 in the final to seal the title for Haryana.

Milly Illingworth  

Australia’s Milly Illingworth is another exciting young name expected to be watched closely in the upcoming WPL. The right-arm fast bowler earned a maiden WPL call-up after being picked by defending champions Mumbai Indians for INR 10 lakh, despite going unsold twice before the accelerated rounds. Illingworth comes with a slingy action, along with a bouncer that has already troubled big batters in the WBBL.

In T20s, she has picked up 18 wickets in 28 WBBL innings at an economy of 7.28. Having also featured in the 2023 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, Illingworth now gets the opportunity to play alongside world-class players at MI. If she adapts quickly to Indian conditions, the young quick could be an X-factor in WPL 2026.

Anushka Sharma 

Anushka Sharma became the most expensive uncapped player in the league’s history. The 22-year-old Madhya Pradesh all-rounder was snapped up by Gujarat Giants for INR 45 lakh following a bidding war with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Anushka is known for her all-round skill set and is coming off strong returns in domestic cricket.

She has a List A average of 63 and smashed at 125 during the Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal T20 Trophy, while also delivering consistent performances in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy. Her ability to contribute in both departments and handle pressure situations has made her a highly rated prospect. Having been picked for a hefty price tag, Anushka will carry the responsibility of justifying Gujarat Giants’ investment by her performance.