As the auction approaches, there are 60 available slots for Indian players, providing franchises with the opportunity to seek valuable additions beyond the familiar names. The debut Women’s Premier League (WPL) players’ auction is impending, featuring a shortlist of 409 players who will be up for bidding to occupy the 90 potential spots. Among them, a maximum of 60 slots are allocated for Indian players. In this context, we highlight six U19 Indian players who lack international experience but possess the potential for substantial financial gains.
Shradda Pokharkar (Maharashtra)
Set 20 – uncapped fast bowlers. Base price: INR 10 lakh
A consistent left-arm Indian fast bowler might prove to be an exceptional bargain considering her modest starting price. Representing Maharashtra, Pokharkar has demonstrated reliability by securing 14 wickets in T20 matches and an additional nine wickets in 50-over contests during the ongoing domestic season. In the same season, her economy rate in T20s stood at 5.68. Leveraging her tall stature, she possesses the potential to be a formidable force on the genuine surfaces of Brabourne Stadium and DY Patil Stadium in the WPL. Her skillset earned her recognition, as she was chosen as a net bowler for the senior team during the home series against Australia last year.
Titas Sadhu (Bengal)
Set 9 – emerging players. Base price: INR 10 lakh
Despite her young age of 18, she has captured the attention as a prominent fast bowler on the Indian circuit for the past couple of years. Sadhu marked her one-day debut for Bengal during the 2020-21 season, followed by T20 appearances in the subsequent seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23. Notably, she played a pivotal role as India’s spearhead in their triumphant journey in the Under-19 World Cup, earning a reputation for providing her team with early control through her bowling prowess. Demonstrating her effectiveness, Sadhu secured six wickets in the tournament, standing as India’s second-most economical bowler with a rate of 4.27. Moreover, she adds to her value by contributing as a remarkable batter.
Shreyanka Patil (Karnataka)
Set 19 – uncapped allrounders. Base price: INR 10 lakh
Patil stands as an accomplished offspinner who has outfoxed numerous batters using her impressive combination of flight, dip, and spin, propelling her ascent within the ranks of Karnataka cricket. Her tally of seven wickets in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy was achieved at an impressive strike rate of 15.71. Further showcasing her skill, while representing South Zone, she secured eight wickets in the zonal matches, a performance that ranked as the joint third-highest.
During Karnataka’s journey to the runners-up position in the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy, Patil’s contribution was particularly noteworthy. Her remarkable haul of 20 wickets marked her as one of the joint second-highest wicket-takers in the tournament.
Shweta Sehrawat (Delhi)
Set 9 – emerging players. Base price: INR 10 lakh
Amidst the attention on Shafali Verma at the Under-19 World Cup, Sehrawat discreetly established herself, ultimately overshadowing her senior counterpart. As a flexible batter with a strong off-side game, she emerged as the leading run-scorer in the South Africa tournament. Anticipate her to capture franchises’ interest as they seek dependable, aggressive batting talents.
Hurley Gala (Mumbai)
Set 10 – emerging players. Base price: INR 10 lakh
A seam-bowling allrounder with batting prowess? Absolutely! Gala was poised to play a crucial role in India’s lower-middle order at the Under-19 World Cup, but an unfortunate thumb injury sidelined her. A mere 16 years old, Gala exhibited her talent by amassing 122 runs in the Women’s Under-19 T20 Trophy, maintaining a remarkable strike rate of 143.52, and also contributing seven wickets. She’s expected to attract the attention of various teams, notably the Mumbai Indians, who have hosted several school-level tournaments, including some Gala participated in.
