The WPL 2026 auction had some unexpected twists and turns. Pratika Rawal went unsold in the initial rounds despite her brilliant World Cup showing. But UP Warriorz eventually picked her up for ₹50 lakh later on.
The Shocking Moment Nobody Expected
Pratika Rawal was India’s second-highest run scorer at the 2025 ODI World Cup. She hammered 308 runs throughout the tournament and ranked fourth overall globally. Everyone thought franchises would fight hard to grab her at the auction.
But the first few rounds passed without a single bid coming in. The cricket world couldn’t believe what they were seeing on their screens. How could someone with such recent success go unpicked initially at this stage?
Fans searched “Pratika Rawal WPL team” frantically online during those tense moments. Her name was trending everywhere as people discussed this surprising snub. Many felt her injury history might have scared franchises away from bidding early.
UP Warriorz Steps Up When Others Hesitate
Thankfully, Warriorz saw the value others missed completely in those rounds. They grabbed Pratika for ₹50 lakh when her name came around again. This was a smart pickup considering what she brings to any team.
The franchise clearly did its homework before making this move happen. They know Pratika has recovered well from her ankle and knee injuries now. The franchise is betting on her returning to the same form soon.
Her injury during the World Cup against Bangladesh was unfortunate timing truly. She couldn’t play in the semifinal or the big final because of it. Shafali Verma replaced Pratika and smashed a match-winning knock in that final game.
A Proven Match-Winner Finds Her Home
Pratika first made waves back in 2021 with something truly special. She scored 161* runs that pushed Delhi through in domestic competition. That innings announced her arrival on the big stage loud and clear.
In 2024, she led Delhi to the Under-23 T20 Trophy final as captain. Pratika finished that tournament with 182 runs as the second-highest scorer overall. Her leadership skills impressed everyone who watched those matches closely.
UP Warriorz is getting a batter who knows how to build innings patiently. Pratika Rawal also handles pressure situations better than most young cricketers around. Going unsold initially might just fuel her fire to prove doubters wrong this season.
