Delve into the intriguing realm of the ongoing WPL 2024 auction as we unveil the spotlight on the top unsold players. These players stirred anticipation but found no takers in the prestigious tournament’s Round 1.
Witness the surprising twists and turns as these cricketers, with unfulfilled expectations, navigate the uncharted waters of being overlooked. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, explore the stories behind their unsold status and the speculations surrounding their omission. Here are the top 5 unsold players from Round 1.
#5. S. Meghna
With being one of the most impressive batters in India’s domestic circuit, S. Meghna was looked at as one of the most expensive buys in the auction. In the last year, she has been one of the most talked-about talents in Indian cricket. However, despite her impressive domestic record, Meghana faced unexpected challenges in Round 1 of the 2024 WPL auction. Surprisingly, she went unsold, leaving fans and analysts puzzled and eager to unravel the reasons behind the absence of bids for this promising and versatile batter.
#4. Devika Vaidya
Despite a stellar domestic performance, all-rounder Devika Vaidya went unsold in Round 1 of the WPL auction. Last year, the UP Warriorz bid a hefty INR 1.4 crore for her, showcasing her demand. With her versatile skills as a leg-spinner and left-handed batter, Vaidya brings balance to any team. Despite a less impactful performance last year, her recent form, including 11 wickets in six Senior Women's T20 Trophy 2023 matches for Maharashtra, highlights her quality, making her exclusion a surprising twist in the auction.
#3. Chamari Athapaththu
Despite her stellar performances in domestic cricket and recent brilliance in the WBBL, Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu surprisingly went unsold in Round 1 of the WPL auction, leaving fans and pundits puzzled by her omission from the initial selections. It’s worth noting that there are only nine overseas slots available.
#2. Punam Raut
Despite her recent impressive performances in ODIs and T20Is, seasoned all-rounder Punam Raut faced an unexpected setback in the WPL auction in Round 1. With a base price of Rs 30 lakh, the 35-year-old's bid for a comeback remained unfulfilled, leaving fans and analysts surprised at her unsold status.
#1. Veda Krishnamurthy
Despite Veda Krishnamurthy's recent impressive performances and a solid track record in ODIs, including being part of India's 2017 World Cup runner-up team, she went unsold in Round 1 of the WPL auction. Teams possibly had specific criteria or strategies, leaving the all-rounder hopeful for a contract in subsequent rounds.