Did RCB Enhance Their Squad with Bell and Smith at the 2026 WPL Auction?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a thrilling turn of events at the 2026 Women’s Premier League auction, RCB has strengthened its squad by acquiring star players. Discover which teams made key signings, including Lizelle Lee and Shabnim Ismail, and what this means for the upcoming season.
Key Takeaways
- RCB enhances its squad with Lauren Bell and Linsey Smith.
- Delhi Capitals secures Lizelle Lee.
- UP Warriorz retains Kranti Gaud and signs Asha Sobhana.
- Mumbai Indians bring back Shabnim Ismail.
- Gujarat Giants acquire Titas Sadhu.
New Delhi, Nov 27 (NationPress) - The 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have secured the services of England fast bowler Lauren Bell and left-arm spinner Linsey Smith during the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) mega auction held on Thursday.
The Delhi Capitals acquired former South African wicketkeeper-batter Lizelle Lee, while the UP Warriorz utilized their last Right to Match (RTM) card to reclaim Indian pacer Kranti Gaud and signed leg-spinner Asha Sobhana. The Mumbai Indians continued their strategy of re-signing former players by bringing back Shabnim Ismail, and the Gujarat Giants added Indian fast bowler Titas Sadhu to their lineup.
In the wicketkeeper category, no bids were made for Isabella Gaze, Amy Jones, and Uma Chetry, who was part of India’s ODI World Cup-winning team. Meanwhile, Lizelle Lee, currently based in Australia, was signed by DC for INR 30 lakh.
The English pacer, Lauren, was the top name in the fast bowlers' section, with RCB and MI competing for her before RCB secured her for INR 90 lakh. Known for her prowess in swinging the ball and hitting the deck, Lauren will reunite with Smriti Mandhana at RCB, who was her teammate at Southern Brave in The Hundred.
Although the Australian pair Darcie Brown and Lauren Cheatle went unsold, India’s ODI World Cup-winning fast bowler Kranti Gaud returned to UPW after they exercised their final RTM card, with a base price of INR 50 lakh. She received a single bid from DC before UPW retained her at the base price.
MI raised their paddle even before auctioneer Mallika Sagar announced Shabnim Ismail's name. Although RCB briefly competed, MI successfully repurchased the former South African fast bowler for INR 60 lakh. The Gujarat Giants acquired Titas Sadhu for INR 30 lakh, while England's left-arm spinner Linsey Smith, who excelled with the new ball in the World Cup, was signed by RCB for INR 30 lakh.
Asha, the experienced Indian leg-spinner, became the focal point of a bidding war between DC and UPW before RCB entered at INR 60 lakh, pushing the contest past INR 1 crore. Ultimately, UPW secured her for INR 1.1 crore. Players like Priya Mishra, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Saika Ishaque, and Alana King went unsold.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the evolving landscape of women's cricket. The 2026 WPL auction not only showcases the growing talent in the sport but also emphasizes the strategic moves of franchises. RCB's acquisitions reflect their ambition to compete at the highest level, aligning with the league's vision of elevating women's cricket.
NationPress
27/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Which players were signed by RCB during the auction?
RCB signed England fast bowler Lauren Bell and left-arm spinner Linsey Smith.
What was Lizelle Lee's auction price?
Lizelle Lee was acquired by Delhi Capitals for INR 30 lakh.
Did any significant players go unsold?
Yes, players like Isabella Gaze and Uma Chetry went unsold during the auction.
Who secured Asha Sobhana?
UP Warriorz eventually acquired Asha Sobhana for INR 1.1 crore after a bidding war.
What was the total expenditure for Lauren Bell?
RCB secured Lauren Bell for INR 90 lakh.
