WPL 2023: Team-wise best buys at the auction

Deandra Dottin, Megan Schutt and Jess Jonassen (Photo by Gareth Copley/Jono Searle/ Fiona Goodall-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

The inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League auction was brought to a close on February 13, 2023. 448 players went under the hammer but only 97 were able to attract bidders, of which 30 were overseas cricketers. In a bid to assemble a formidable squad, the five franchises spent a total of INR 59.5 crore at the auction table.

The teams did not hesitate to break their bank at the marquee event for a player of their liking. They were also smart enough to play the waiting game and acquire top-drawer cricketers at an affordable price. As the WPL schedule 2023 has arrived and the T20 carnival is set to commence on March 4, let us look at the stand-out buys for each franchise at the recently culminated auction.

Here are the team-wise best buys at the auction:

5. UP Warriorz – Kiran Navgire

Kiran Navgire has taken the domestic circuit by storm with her spectacular performances. In the 2021–22 Women’s Senior T20 Trophy, she knocked the wind out of bowling attacks that came her way and plundered 525 runs in seven games for Nagaland, at a strike rate of 131.25.

Navgire could be seen going behind the opposition’s bowling right from the word go, thus turning the tide in her team’s favour. She showed her batting might in the Women’s T20 Challenge 2022 as well, scoring the fastest half-century of the tournament, in mere 25 delivers against Trailblazers. She ended up smashing 69 runs off 34 deliveries in the game.

A fearless brand of cricket is the need of the hour in the shortest format and Navgire is someone who embodies the firebrand approach. Thus, UP Warriorz were interested in signing the middle-order batter at the auction and bagged her at a pretty reasonable price of INR 30 lakh.

4. Delhi Capitals – Jess Jonassen

Jess Jonassen has been a proven performer for Australia across formats. She spins the web around the opposition and can provide her side with timely breakthroughs. Further, the 30-year-old is no muck with the bat and has played some crucial cameos slotting in lower down the order.

Jonassen has bagged 90 wickets in 99 T20Is at an economy of 5.60 and scored 432 runs in those outings. In the 50-over format, the ace all-rounder has picked up 135 wickets in 88 matches at an economy of 3.93, besides scoring 566 runs at a strike rate of 82.62.

Unlike many spinners, the Emerald-born has the might to bowl at any phase of the game. On top of that, her batting might is an added bonus. Thus, when Jonassen’s turn arrived at the auction, Delhi Capitals acquired the bowling all-rounder at her reserve price of INR 50 lakh.

3. Royal Challengers Bangalore – Megan Schutt

Megan Schutt has been a bankable name in international cricket. She has featured in 79 ODIs and bagged 112 wickets at an economy of 4.19. Coming to the shortest format, the 30-year-old has picked up 123 scalps in 95 matches at an economy of 6.22.

Schutt has unsettled batters with the edge she gets with the new ball and provided Australia with early wickets. Also, she has acted as an enforcer in the middle phases of the innings when needed and provided Australia with timely breakthroughs. Moreover, the ace pacer has been impeccable at the death.

Schutt is a genuine-wicket taker and has proven her mettle in the international arena time and again. Therefore, it was quite wise at Royal Challengers Bangalore’s end to reserve her services at her base price of INR 40 lakhs, at the recently culminated auction.

2. Mumbai Indians – Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews is the mainstay of the West Indies batting line-up, across formats. She has tormented bowlers with her reaving run and provided her team with crackling starts. Moreover, the 24-year-old has been a wily customer with the ball, sriking at regular intervals.

Matthews has featured in 75 ODIs and scored 1915 runs at an average of 26.97. On the bowling front, she has bagged 89 wickets at an economy of 4.06. The ace all-rounder has shown her might in the shortest format too, scoring 1581 runs in 82 T20Is at a strike rate of 104.15, and picking up 78 wickets at an economy of 5.80.

Matthews, with her ability to contribute in both departments, is a valuable addition to any side. Thus, Mumbai Indians raised their paddles at the auction to sign the ace all-rounder and managed to acquire her at a base price of INR 40 lakh. The Mumbai management would hope Hayley brings her A-game into play in the coming season and propels the team to the top of the WPL points table 2023.

1. Gujarat Giants- Deandra Dottin

Deandra Dottin is one of those players who have made heads turn every time she has stepped into the cricket field. She has put up an exhibition of her flamboyant stroke play and dismantled bowling for fun. Also, the swashbuckling all-rounder has been a strike force with the ball.

Dottin has accumulated 2697 runs in 127 T20Is and bagged 62 wickets at an economy of 6.42. When it comes to ODIs, the 31-year-old has aggregated 3727 runs in 143 games at an average of 30.54 and picked up 72 scalps at an economy of 4.87.

Dottin offers a complete package to any side with her all-round prowess. Therefore, Gujarat Giants were inclined towards adding her to their arsenal. Eventually, the Gujarat franchise managed to sign her at a reasonable price of INR 60 lakh.