Last Updated: January 10, 2026 02:15 PM
Shikha Pandey created a huge surprise at the WPL 2026 auction recently. The experienced pacer hasn’t played international cricket for years now. But her domestic performances kept franchises interested in signing her services desperately.
Two franchises fought a fierce bidding war over her during the auction. Royal Challengers Bengaluru wanted her badly for their bowling attack this season. Another franchise matched every single bid RCB threw at them stubbornly.
Her WPL Price Explosion
UP Warriorz secured Shikha Pandey for a whopping Rs 2.40 crore amount. Her base price started at just Rs 40 lakh during the auction. That’s six times the starting amount, which shows incredible demand for her.
The WPL salary jumped to Rs 75 lakh within moments of bidding. RCB and UP Warriorz kept raising the stakes against each other aggressively. The amount crossed the Rs 2 crore mark before anyone expected it honestly.
Shikha Pandey’s salary proves domestic cricket performances matter more than people realise. She’s been crushing it in Indian tournaments despite no international caps lately. The final amount rewards her consistency over the past few years properly.
UP Warriorz WPL Team Acquisition
Shikha Pandey joins the UP Warriorz WPL team alongside some big names. The franchise needed an experienced Indian pacer who knows pressure situations well. Her years of international cricket bring leadership qualities to the bowling group.
She reunites with Meg Lanning at UP Warriorz, which is pretty cool. They played together before and understand each other’s game plans thoroughly already. The WPL team gets two experienced heads who can guide younger players.
UP Warriorz built a balanced bowling attack mixing youth and experience cleverly. The side wants bowlers who can handle big moments without crumbling mentally. She has done that countless times throughout her cricket career successfully.
Comeback Story Worth Watching
Shikha Pandey hasn’t worn India colours since 2021 in international matches. Many people thought her career was basically over at that point. But she kept grinding in domestic cricket without complaining or giving up.
Her performances in the Senior Women’s Trophy caught scouts’ attention again recently. The WPL 2026 gives her a platform to prove doubters wrong. Age and gaps don’t matter when you’ve still got skills intact clearly.
The team believes she can deliver match-winning performances despite the break taken.
