WPL 2026: 3 franchises that can target Amelia Kerr in the mega auction

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Mega Auction is headlined by a handful of surprising omissions from the retention lists, and none is more coveted than Amelia Kerr. The New Zealand all-rounder, known for her sharp leg-spin and explosive middle-order batting, was a shock release by the Mumbai Indians (MI), allowing all five franchises a shot at acquiring her services.

Kerr has been a phenomenal performer in the WPL, serving as a pillar in MI’s successful campaigns. Her value extends beyond statistics; she offers the coveted combination of being a world-class finisher with the bat and a wicket-taking, control-providing leg-spinner. Kerr’s T20 credentials, including high rankings in the global all-rounder charts and a Player of the Tournament performance in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, guarantee a bidding frenzy.

3 teams that can target Amelia Kerr in WPL 2026 auction

1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) management has successfully retained a powerful core, securing the services of captain Smriti Mandhana, powerhouse batter Richa Ghosh, and all-round legends Ellyse Perry and Shreyanka Patil. The retained unit features strong batting depth and quality pace provided by Perry. Furthermore, Shreyanka provides a reliable, home-grown off-spin option, crucial on Indian pitches.

However, the RCB bowling attack remains one-dimensional wisded batters. Kerr’s right-arm leg break would perfectly complement Patil’s off-spin, creating a balanced and attacking spin duo for the middle overs. Moreover, Kerr’s reliable batting at number five or six would add crucial stability and a finishing kick, relieving pressure on the top four. Having retained four players, RCB still holds a competitive purse of ₹6.15 crore and one RTM card (though not applicable for Kerr), making them a serious and tactical bidder for the all-rounder they desperately need.

2. UP Warriorz

The UP Warriorz (UPW) enter the Mega Auction in a mode of total reconstruction, having retained only one player, Shweta Sehrawat, giving them the largest available purse at ₹14.5 crore and four Right to Match (RTM) cards. This financial advantage positions them to dominate the bidding for any player they target.

The Warriorz’ release of nearly their entire overseas core, including Sophie Ecclestone and Alyssa Healy, leaves gaping holes in both the captaincy and marquee overseas talent slots. Kerr’s consistent contributions with both bat and ball make her the ideal foundation for UPW to build their new squad around. Her ability to anchor an innings or accelerate late, combined with her world-class leg-spin, provides two players in one slot. Given the scale of their rebuild, securing an established, world-class overseas all-rounder like Kerr, who can immediately slot into a leadership role, would be an absolute priority for the UPW think tank.

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3. Delhi Capitals

The Delhi Capitals (DC) have also retained their full quota of five players—Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp, and Niki Prasad—but the most notable departure is the release of their three-time finalist captain, Meg Lanning. While Lanning was a specialist batter, her exit creates a vacuum in overseas quality and stability.

DC’s retained overseas strength lies heavily in the pace-bowling all-rounders (Kapp and Sutherland). They significantly lack a specialist, wicket-taking spinner, having released Jess Jonassen and Radha Yadav. Kerr is the perfect solution, offering the high-impact spin that DC needs to challenge on turning tracks, especially in the middle overs. Furthermore, Kerr’s proven ability to bat consistently and handle pressure makes her a crucial factor in stabilizing the post-Lanning middle order.

Also READ: WPL 2026: 3 franchises that can target Pratika Rawal in the Women’s Premier League mega-auction

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.