WPL 2026: Who is Anushka Sharma? Rising cricketer picked by Gujarat Giants for INR 45 lakh

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction was held on Thursday, November 27, in New Delhi. All five franchises, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants, brought unique strategies in a bid to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season. Among the most talked-about names of the auction was Anushka Brijmohan Sharma.

Unlike her famous Bollywood namesake, Anushka Sharma is a promising cricketer from Madhya Pradesh, known for her hard-hitting abilities and utility off-spin bowling. Her performance in domestic cricket has been steadily rising, making her one of the most exciting young talents going around in the cricketing circuits.

Starting with a base price of INR 10 lakh, Anushka was eventually snapped up by Gujarat Giants for INR 45 lakh, edging out defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who had bid up to INR 40 lakh. The 22-year-old has been a standout in India’s domestic tournaments, particularly in the lower middle order, where dependable batters are in high demand.

Her credentials include a List A batting average of 63.00 and a tournament strike rate of 125.00 in the Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal T20 Trophy held in October. During that competition, she represented the Central Zone, having also delivered a fine season for Madhya Pradesh in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy. With youth on her side, Anushka hopes to use the WPL as a springboard to the next stage of her career.

Gujarat Giants were also active in the marquee slots, securing top overseas players such as Sophie Devine and Renuka Singh Thakur. Alongside Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Georgia Wareham, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, and Kim Garth, the franchise now boasts a formidable overseas contingent.

Combined with rising domestic talents like Anushka, Gujarat Giants have strengthened their lineup and are aiming to lift the WPL trophy for the first time in franchise history. With a blend of experienced internationals and exciting young Indian players, the Gujarat-based franchise will be one to watch in the upcoming WPL 2026 season.