Why Alyssa Healy Went Unsold in WPL 2026 Auction? Franchise Coaches Provide Clear Explanations
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction, held in New Delhi, delivered drama, surprises, and headline-making moments as all five franchises revamped their squads ahead of what promises to be the most competitive season yet. While Indian superstar Deepti Sharma made history after UP Warriorz (UPW) used the Right to Match (RTM) card to secure her for a staggering Rs 3.2 crore, the biggest shock of the day came much earlier—when Australia captain Alyssa Healy went unsold.
Healy, one of the most decorated players in women’s cricket, entered the auction as one of the most recognizable names. With two dominant seasons in the WPL and 17 matches played for UP Warriorz, she seemed like a near-certain pick. Yet, as her name came up first under the hammer, the room remained still—no bids, no interest, no last-minute rescue from her former franchise.
The cricket world was left stunned. How could one of the world’s best wicketkeeper-batters, a player with explosive batting ability and a long list of international achievements, go unsold?
Franchise coaches stepped forward to explain the reasoning behind this unexpected outcome, giving fans clarity on the calculated decisions that shaped the auction.
UP Warriorz Explain Why They Didn’t Go for Healy
After Healy went unsold, many believed her former team, UP Warriorz, would step in for a late bid. But they too chose to pass. Head coach Abhishek Nayar addressed the situation, acknowledging both the difficulty and reasoning behind their decision.
“Alyssa Healy going unsold was surprising for different reasons. When you’re allowed only four overseas players in the XI, your options are limited, and many teams prefer all-rounders in their set-up. It’s a tough situation for someone of her stature.”
Nayar’s explanation revolves around a key auction strategy: prioritizing overseas all-rounders. All WPL franchises have consistently leaned toward players who can contribute with both bat and ball, offering greater flexibility within the four-overseas-player rule.
For UP Warriorz specifically, the strategy was crystal clear:
✔️ Strengthen all-round capabilities
✔️ Build depth
✔️ Maximize tactical balance
Healy, despite being one of the finest batters in world cricket, is a specialist player—a wicketkeeper-batter without contributions in the bowling department. With teams attempting to fill skill gaps rather than add more top-order batters, Healy unfortunately fell outside the strategic core this year.
RCB’s Assistant Coach Explains Their Decision
Another team that could have used an experienced opener was Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Yet even they did not bid for Healy. Assistant coach Anya Shrubsole explained their reasoning:
“We have a very strong top order, and Georgia Voll gives us some offspin as well. With Richa Ghosh in the top five as a wicketkeeper-batter, going for Healy didn’t make sense for us.”
RCB’s combination already appears settled:
- Richa Ghosh is cemented as the primary wicketkeeper and middle-order enforcer.
- Smriti Mandhana, S Meghana, and Sophie Devine form a stable top three.
- Georgia Voll, a versatile player, offers off-spin, which gives RCB tactical depth.
Healy, while world-class, would have been a luxury, not a need.
Teams were clearly focused on plugging holes rather than adding star power for the sake of reputation.
Timing and Context: Why Going First Hurt Healy
Alyssa Healy was the first player to go under the hammer in the WPL 2026 auction. While being first seems like an honor, it can also work against a player.
Why being the first name hurts auction chances:
- Teams hold back their budget early.
- Franchises wait to analyze player categories before committing.
- No franchise wants to overspend before understanding the full dynamics of the auction pool.
- Specialist players usually attract bids later, once teams have filled core needs.
This timing disadvantage may have played a significant role in her going unsold.
Fitness Troubles & Recent Form Were Considered
Another crucial factor working against Healy was her recent fitness record.
❗ Fitness Concerns
Healy has battled injuries since the 2024 T20 World Cup, impacting her availability and performance consistency. Teams were understandably cautious about investing heavily in a player with ongoing physical challenges.
❗ Recent Form in WBBL
Healy struggled for rhythm in the current Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season. Although she showed glimpses of brilliance, including consecutive ODI World Cup hundreds against India and Bangladesh earlier this year, her domestic T20 form was inconsistent.
Franchises place high importance on league form, and with the WPL being a short, intense competition, teams may have feared the risk of unreliable performances.
Why the Market for Specialist Openers Shrunk
The WPL has evolved quickly. In the early years, specialist batters were in high demand. But in recent seasons, the trend has shifted toward:
✔️ All-rounders
✔️ Mystery spinners
✔️ Power-hitting finishers
✔️ Flexible overseas players
Teams prefer overseas cricketers who can perform dual roles, reducing reliance on Indian domestic players in key areas.
Healy, a pure opener and wicketkeeper, doesn’t fit the new mold unless a team desperately needs a top-order stabilizer AND lacks wicketkeeping depth—which wasn’t the case this season for any franchise.
Healy’s WPL Journey So Far
Despite going unsold in 2026, Healy’s past contribution to the WPL should not be understated:
- Played 17 matches for UP Warriorz
- Was bought for Rs 70 lakh in 2023
- Delivered several strong starts
- Provided leadership value as Australia’s captain
- Played a key role in UPW’s competitive seasons
Her resume remains world-class, and this setback may simply be situational rather than reflective of her ability.
Deepti Sharma: The Auction’s Biggest Winner
While Healy’s omission dominated headlines, Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma stole the spotlight by becoming the costliest player of the WPL 2026 auction.
Deepti, fresh off being named Player of the Tournament in the Women’s World Cup 2025, attracted heavy competition before UP Warriorz used their RTM card.
Her value reflects:
- India’s reliance on top-tier all-rounders
- The increased premium on spin-bowling all-rounders
- India-capped player importance
- Her match-winning consistency in international cricket
Her record-breaking signing only reinforced the shift toward multi-skilled cricketers in the WPL ecosystem.
Will Healy Make a Comeback in Future Auctions?
Absolutely—several factors make a future return likely:
✔️ Her reputation and experience remain unmatched
✔️ Teams may have budget flexibility in the next cycle
✔️ Injuries or form fluctuations in existing players could open doors
✔️ She remains a top-choice opener and wicketkeeper globally
Cricket operates in cycles, and the WPL is no different. A temporary dip in demand does not diminish Healy’s stature.
The auction clearly showed how the WPL is evolving. Teams no longer chase big names; they chase multi-skill utility. Healy’s situation highlights how tough the 4-overseas rule can be for specialist players, regardless of their legendary status. It’s a strategic miss for franchises, but also a wake-up call about how competitive this league has become.