WPL 2025 Auction: Uncapped Indian Players Shine as Simran Shaikh Becomes the Top Buy
Gujarat Giants Bag Shaikh for INR 1.9 Crore; Overseas Star Dottin Makes a Grand Return
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 auction, held in Bengaluru, witnessed a day of surprises and record-breaking bids, with uncapped Indian talents grabbing the limelight. Simran Shaikh, Mumbai’s explosive all-rounder, turned out to be the biggest star, fetching INR 1.9 crore (USD 223,000 approx) after an intense bidding war between Gujarat Giants and Delhi Capitals. The Giants secured her services, marking their most significant acquisition of the auction.
Big Money Moves for Uncapped Indian Players
Simran Shaikh’s journey to stardom was a major highlight of the auction. Despite modest returns in her previous WPL stint with UP Warriorz, where she managed just 29 runs across seven innings in 2023, her recent domestic form was hard to ignore. Shaikh scored 176 runs in nine innings at the 2024 Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, showcasing her improved strike rate and power-hitting abilities.
“We’ve been closely tracking her performances in the local T20 tournaments,” said Gujarat Giants’ head coach, Michael Klinger. “Her ability to hit sixes from ball one complements our lineup perfectly.”
Joining Shaikh in the big-money bracket was G Kamilini, a 16-year-old Tamil Nadu prodigy. Picked up by Mumbai Indians for INR 1.6 crore (USD 190,000 approx), Kamilini’s stock soared after a match-winning 29-ball 44 earlier in the day, guiding India to victory over Pakistan in the U19 Women’s Asia Cup.
Meanwhile, Prema Rawat, the 23-year-old Uttarakhand legspinner, impressed with her performances in the Uttarakhand Premier League, earning her a INR 1.2 crore (USD 140,000 approx) contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Known for her sharp spin and electric fielding, Rawat is set for her maiden WPL appearance.
Overseas Stars Steal the Spotlight
Among overseas players, Deandra Dottin, the celebrated West Indies all-rounder, made headlines yet again. Returning to Gujarat Giants—despite their controversial decision to drop her after WPL 2023—Dottin fetched INR 1.7 crore (USD 200,000 approx). Dottin’s inclusion will bolster the Giants’ lineup, as her explosive batting and dependable medium pace remain highly coveted assets.
England’s Danielle Gibson and Australia’s Alana King were other notable international buys. Gibson joined Gujarat Giants, while King was picked up by UP Warriorz in the accelerated auction round.
Surprises and Unsold Players
In a surprising turn, no capped Indian player received a bid, with uncapped domestic talents and overseas names dominating proceedings. Prominent unsold players included:
- Sneh Rana (India spinner and former Gujarat Giants captain)
- Lauren Bell (England seamer)
- Heather Knight (England captain)
- Lizelle Lee (former South Africa opener)
Teamwise Purchases from WPL 2025 Auction
Delhi Capitals:
- N Charani (INR 55 lakh)
- Nandini Kashyap
- Sarah Bryce (Scotland)
- Niki Prasad
Gujarat Giants:
- Simran Shaikh (INR 1.9 crore)
- Deandra Dottin (West Indies)
- Danielle Gibson (England)
- Prakashika Naik
Mumbai Indians:
- G Kamilini (INR 1.6 crore)
- Nadine de Klerk (South Africa)
- Akshita Maheshwari
- Sanskriti Gupta
Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
- Prema Rawat (INR 1.2 crore)
- Joshitha JV
- Raghvi Bist
- Jagravi Pawar
UP Warriorz:
- Alana King (Australia)
- Arushi Goel
- Kranti Goud
Key Takeaways
- Uncapped Indian Players Shine: Simran Shaikh, G Kamilini, and Prema Rawat emerged as breakout stars.
- Dottin Returns with a Bang: West Indies allrounder Deandra Dottin’s price tag reflects her value as a match-winner.
- Capped Stars Unsold: The absence of bids for Sneh Rana and Heather Knight was a notable talking point.
The WPL 2025 auction proved once again that the talent pool in Indian women’s cricket continues to deepen, while global superstars remain central to the league’s appeal.
