Laura Wolvaardt Could Be UP Warriorz Target : Anjum Chopra

The TATA WPL 2026 Auction will be the cynosure of all eyes, with plenty of big names in the pool, expected to fetch big bucks from franchises. Speaking on JioHotstar’s show ‘Most Wanted: TATA WPL 2026 Auction’, JioStar experts Anjum Chopra, Veda Krishnamurthy and Reema Malhotra discussed how the auctions will play out.

Speaking on JioHotstar’s show ‘Most Wanted: TATA WPL 2026 Auction’, JioStar expert Anjum Chopra analyzed UP Warriorz's rebuilding plans, "UP Warriorz are clearly rebuilding their team completely. They will be searching for a new captain and strong players. Laura Wolvaardt could be their target, she was the highest run-scorer in the Women's ODI World Cup and her batting would strengthen their line-up. She might even become their captain while adding quality to their batting unit."

Veda expressed her view on Amelia Kerr's value, "Amelia Kerr will be highly sought after in this auction. With two WPL titles from Mumbai Indians and her dual skills as a batting and bowling all-rounder, she brings great value. Her consistent performances with both, bat and ball make her a strong contender to be among the most expensive players in WPL's auction."

Speaking on JioHotstar’s show ‘Most Wanted: TATA WPL 2026 Auction’, JioStar expert Veda Krishnamurthy praised Laura Wolvaardt's leadership and batting skills, "Laura Wolvaardt performed brilliantly in the Women's ODI World Cup, leading South Africa to the final and showed great captaincy skills. She's the kind of opener who guarantees 350-plus runs every season. With UP Warriorz needing a captain while other teams have their leadership sorted, Laura would be perfect to bring stability to their team with both, her batting and leadership qualities."

Veda is concerned about teams' interest in injured Indian opening batter Pratika Rawal, "Teams are watching Pratika Rawal's ankle fracture recovery closely. If she's 80-85% ready by tournament start, she'll attract interest. While her T20 numbers aren't flashy, she provides solid stability at the top, allowing stroke-makers to play freely. RCB specifically need an established opener after trying multiple partners for Smriti Mandhana. Their successful Indian opening combination could work well in WPL too. She might not command a high price but will bring great value to any team that signs her."

Speaking on JioHotstar’s show ‘Most Wanted: TATA WPL 2026 Auction’, JioStar expert Reema Malhotra highlighted Radha Yadav's value as a multi-skilled player, "Two or three teams will target Radha Yadav, especially RCB who released Ekta Bisht and need left-arm spinners. Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz, with their fresh start, could also bid for her. She's a valuable three-dimensional player - an experienced spinner, excellent fielder, who takes match-changing catches, and a handy batter who has scored crucial runs for Baroda and against Australia A. Though Delhi Capitals didn't use her batting much, her all-round skills make her a real asset for any team in this auction."