TATA WPL 2026: Squad Analysis, Schedule & Fantasy Guide

The auction gavel has dropped, and the squads are locked. We’ve seen massive shifts with Meg Lanning moving to UP Warriorz, Deepti Sharma breaking the bank at 3.2 Cr, and Annabel Sutherland entering the season in the form of her life. Welcome to the definitive numbers-driven preview for the 2026 TATA WPL season.

Below is team-by-team breakdown, analyzing squad value, tactical strengths, and the fantasy assets you need to lock in for Match 1.

Delhi Capitals (DC)

Squad Status: The "Premium Core" Strategy.

DC has gone top-heavy, investing heavily in four "Galacticos" at 2.2 Cr each. They have arguably the most destructive batting lineup in the tournament.

Key Squad: Annabel Sutherland (2.2 Cr), Jemimah Rodrigues (2.2 Cr), Marizanne Kapp (2.2Cr), Shafali Verma (2.2 Cr), Laura Wolvaardt (1.1 Cr).
The Numbers:
- Strength: Powerplay Dominance. With Shafali Verma and the addition of Laura Wolvaardt , DC has openers who can exploit the field restrictions.
- Form Watch: Annabel Sutherland is in terrifying form. She became the first woman to score a Test century at the MCG in Jan 2025 and was the ICC Player of the Month in Dec 2024. She is a dual-threat asset.
- Weakness: Budget Balance. With 880 Lakhs tied up in just 4 players, their depth relies on budget buys like Taniyaa Bhatia (30 L) and Minnu Mani (40 L) stepping up.
Ai11 Fantasy Pick: Marizanne Kapp. She remains the most reliable new-ball bowler in the league. Her economy rate in powerplays is consistently elite, guaranteeing fantasy points even if she doesn't take 5 wickets.

Gujarat Giants (GG)

Squad Status: The "Overseas Powerhouse."

GG has the most expensive overseas trio in the league. They are banking on international experience to carry the team.

Key Squad: Ashleigh Gardner (3.5 Cr), Beth Mooney (2.5 Cr), Sophie Devine (2 Cr), Georgia Wareham (1 Cr), Renuka Singh (60 L).
The Numbers:
- Strength: The Engine Room. Gardner and Mooney are match-winners. Adding Sophie Devine gives them a top 3 that can chase any total.
- Tactical Note: Renuka Singh was a steal. If the ball swings in Vadodara or Navi Mumbai, her value-for-money (VFM) ratio will be off the charts.
- Weakness: Indian Batting Depth. Outside of the big names, they rely on younger talents like Bharti Fulmali (70 L).
Ai11 Fantasy Pick: Ashleigh Gardner. Despite a mixed 2025, she offers 4 overs of spin and top-order batting. She is a "Set and Forget" captaincy option.

Mumbai Indians (MI)

Squad Status: Stability & Pace.

The defending champions (or consistent finalists) retained their core but added serious pace with Shabnim Ismail.

Key Squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (3.5 Cr), Amelia Kerr (3 Cr), Harmanpreet Kaur (2.5 Cr), Hayley Matthews (1.75 Cr), Shabnim Ismail (60 L).
The Numbers:
- Strength: All-Round Balance. Sciver-Brunt, Kerr, and Matthews provide 12 overs of high-quality bowling and top-tier batting.
- Fantasy Insight: Amelia Kerr is a fantasy cheat code. She bowls leg-spin (high wicket probability) and bats in the top 4.
- Weakness: Pace Support. They are relying heavily on Ismail and Pooja Vastrakar's replacement (since Pooja went to RCB). If Ismail has an off day, the seam attack looks thin.
Ai11 Fantasy Pick: Nat Sciver-Brunt. She is arguably the best pressure player in the world. In chases, she is a must-captain.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Squad Status: The "Value Hunters."

RCB played a smart auction. Retaining Perry and Mandhana was expected, but picking up Grace Harris and Pooja Vastrakar for under 1 Cr each is a masterstroke.

Key Squad: Smriti Mandhana (3.5 Cr), Richa Ghosh (2.75 Cr), Ellyse Perry (2 Cr), Lauren Bell (90 L), Pooja Vastrakar (85 L), Grace Harris (75 L).
The Numbers:
- Strength: Finishing Power. Adding Grace Harris to a lineup with Richa Ghosh and Perry gives them the most dangerous death-overs batting in the league.
- Form Watch: Smriti Mandhana hit 9 ODI fifties in 2025, equalling Ellyse Perry's record for most 50+ scores in a calendar year. She is in peak touch.
- Weakness: Spin Variety. While Shreyanka Patil is a star, they might miss a seasoned international spinner compared to UPW's attack.
Ai11 Fantasy Pick: Ellyse Perry. At good batting tracks, her average is exceptional. She provides stability and crucial medium pace.

UP Warriorz (UPW)

Squad Status: The "Tactical Overhaul."

The biggest shock of the auction: Meg Lanning is now a Warrior. Paired with the most expensive Indian player, Deepti Sharma, UPW has completely reshaped their identity.

Key Squad: Deepti Sharma (3.2 Cr), Shikha Pandey (2.4 Cr), Meg Lanning (1.9 Cr), Phoebe Litchfield (1.2 Cr), Sophie Ecclestone (85 L).
The Numbers:
- Strength: The Spin Web. Deepti Sharma combined with Sophie Ecclestone forms the best spin duo in the competition.
- Tactical Shift: Meg Lanning brings championship captaincy experience. Expect better field placements and "clutch" decision-making.
- Weakness: Batting Volatility. Relying on Litchfield and Lanning is great, but they need the Indian middle order (Kiran Navgire, 60L) to fire consistently.
Ai11 Fantasy Pick: Deepti Sharma. She bowls at the death, bats in the middle order, and is a fielding magnet. Her high price tag guarantees she will be given every opportunity to perform.

Ai11 Expert Summary

Metric	Team to Watch	Why?
Best Batting Power	Delhi Capitals	Sutherland, Shafali, Jemimah, Kapp is an relentless top 4.
Best Spin Attack	UP Warriorz	Deepti + Ecclestone is a nightmare on turning tracks.
Best Value Buy	Grace Harris (RCB)	At 75 Lakhs, her strike rate offers the highest ROI in the league.
High Risk/Reward	Gujarat Giants	Massive reliance on just 3 overseas stars (Gardner, Mooney, Devine).

WPL 2026 Season Preview & Fantasy Guide