Despite a shocking captaincy record, meg lanning To Delhi Capitals (DC) by Women’s Premier League (WPL) Has been released before the 2026 mega auction. the franchisee Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Marizanne Kapp, Annabelle SutherlandAnd nikki prasad But the exit of Lanning — who led DC to three consecutive finals — is a big blow to fans and cricket experts.
Under Lanning’s leadership, Delhi Capitals were one of the most stable teams of the tournament, displaying strong team balance and tactical brilliance. His calm presence, sharp cricketing mind, and ability to perform under pressure made him one of the most valuable players in the league. However, his release indicates that DC may be looking for a change in the team or new leadership direction.
As the auction approaches, Lanning’s availability has made him one of the most sought-after names in the list of players. Given his experience, batting class, and leadership abilities, multiple teams are expected to engage in an intense bidding war for him. Let’s take a look at three franchises that could try their best to acquire the Australian great in the WPL 2026 mega auction.
1) UP Warriorz – Team ready for a new era
UP Warriorz has undergone a complete makeover ahead of the new season. The franchise released most of its high-profile names, including former captain alyssa healy And India’s star all-rounder Deepti Sharma Only one uncapped Indian player was retained. This major change gave him the largest remaining budget and all four Right to Match (RTM) cards — this combination gives them both flexibility and financial strength in the auction.
With a blank slate and a clear opportunity to rebuild, the UP Warriorz are perfectly positioned to target Lanning as their new leader. His strategic sense and calm nature can provide much-needed structure and direction to a team that is trying to re-establish itself. Additionally, since UPW did not retain Deepti — who captained the team last season — the captaincy position is vacant, making Lanning an ideal candidate to fill that leadership void.
Bringing in a proven winner like Lanning can not only boost team morale but also attract young Indian talent who can greatly benefit from his experience.
2) Gujarat Giants – Building an Australian core again
The Gujarat giants have adopted a minimal retention approach, retaining only two key foreign players: beth mooney And Ashley Gardner Has been maintained. This decision has given them a huge auction budget and three RTM cards, allowing them to become a major player in the auction.
Looking at the pairing they have created, it is clear that the Giants value the stability and chemistry of the Australian players, and Lanning would fit perfectly into this setup. Mooney, Gardner, and Lanning have all shared success at the international level, and reuniting them could create the strongest overseas corps in WPL history.
Furthermore, Lanning’s arrival will provide Gujarat with many leadership options. While Mooney and Gardner have led Australia and the Giants before, Lanning’s proven record as captain could help the franchise come up with better strategies at crucial moments. His inclusion could also bring balance to their top order, which had struggled for consistency in previous editions.
3) Delhi Capitals – A possible reunion on the cards
Although Delhi Capitals’ decision to release Lanning took everyone by surprise, there remains a strong possibility of them attempting to buy him back at a lower price. Last season, Lanning was retained for ₹1.10 crore, but given the stage of his career and the team’s financial plan, DC may have released him with a strategic intention — to re-sign him during the auction at a more manageable figure.
Lanning’s familiarity with the DC setup, his rapport with players like Rodrigues and Shafali, and his successful track record with the franchise make him a natural fit if they decide to bring him back. Even if DC is looking for a leadership change, having Lanning as a senior batsman and mentor could prove invaluable in guiding the next generation of stars.
Since the beginning of the WPL, Lanning has been one of the most consistent performers of the tournament. In 27 matches, he has scored 952 runs, with a strike rate of 127, and has nine half-centuries to his name. His ability to keep his innings steady while maintaining a healthy scoring rate makes him a valuable asset in T20 cricket.
With such abilities and unmatched leadership qualities, Lanning will undoubtedly be one of the hottest names at the WPL 2026 Mega Auction. Whether he reunites with Delhi Capitals, leads the revamped UP Warriorz, or becomes a part of Gujarat Giants’ Australian core, one thing is for sure — the upcoming auction is going to see an intense bidding war for cricket’s greatest minds.
