If Women’s Premier League (WPL) Was launched during the former captain of India Mithali RajIn her peak years – especially around 2017-2019, when she was the undisputed backbone of Indian cricket – there is no doubt that she would have been the most prized batting icon in the league’s inaugural auction.
By that time, Mithali was not just a cricketer; She was the face of Indian women’s cricket. She holds the record for scoring the most ODI runs, had already taken India to the World Cup final and was the epitome of calm, class and unmatched consistency. His presence in the auction pool would have changed the entire bidding dynamics and increased the commercial and sporting appeal of the league overnight.
Mithali Raj: A generational batting superstar who would have grabbed the WPL headlines
Teams entering the inaugural WPL auction will be looking at Mithali not just as a player but as a key brand asset – someone who guarantees visibility, consistency and world-class batting returns. In an era when dependable top-order batsmen were a rarity, and Indian franchises were looking for reliable anchors in T20 cricket, Mithali’s reputation as a run-machine would have been of unprecedented value.
His calmness, temperament and ability to build innings under pressure would have been an invaluable asset, especially in big-ticket matches that define a franchise’s season. A match-winning captain, on-field tactician and franchise looking for a high-profile face will be engaged in a brutal bidding war to secure his services.
What would Mithali have got in the WPL mega auction?
In terms of auction value, Mithali could have easily been pitted against the league’s highest-paid players. Like the foreign superstars who had crossed the Rs 3 crore mark – and the elite Indian selections who had touched Rs 2.5 crore – Mithali’s bid would have comfortably crossed those figures.
Given her stature, record and leadership pedigree, her final price tag will likely be between Rs 3.5 crore and Rs 4.5 crore, potentially making her:
- Highest paid Indian batsman in WPL history
- A marquee signature comparable Virat Kohli In the early years of IPL
- A business icon for any franchise looking for an identity-defining leader
The team that failed to acquire him in the auction would have immediately realized the strategic loss – not just losing India’s greatest batsman, but losing a captain who could have defined a franchise for years.
Also read: What if India’s legendary player Jhulan Goswami was a part of the WPL auction?
Mithali’s strategic impact
The franchise securing Mithali would have gained much more than a world-class No. 3 batsman. His tactical intelligence, leadership skills and composure under pressure would have made him the heartbeat of the team.
impact on field
- She will open the innings, build partnerships and guide the chase across all formats.
- Their experience against every major international attack would provide stability during the collapse.
- His hunger for perfection and shot-selection discipline will set the template for the team’s batting culture.
leadership and guidance
- Mithali, who has led India for more than a decade, will naturally serve as captain or vice-captain.
- young stars like Shafali VermaJemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh Or emerging domestic talents have no better mentor.
- His extensive tactical knowledge – from reading pitches to structuring chasing strategies – will increase the IQ of the entire dressing room.
Cultural and commercial value
- Mithali’s quiet charisma and global stature will instantly enhance the brand value of the franchise.
- She will become the face of media interactions, sponsorships and promotional campaigns.
- Their professionalism will establish the same high-performance environment leaders prefer ms dhoni And Harmanpreet Kaur Established for their teams.
While fans missed the chance to see her in the WPL colours, imagining Mithali in the franchise jersey – anchoring the chase, guiding young talents and leading with her trademark poise – remains an exciting what-if scenario that highlights her lasting impact on Indian cricket.
Also read: WPL 2026 Mega Auction: Complete list of unsold players
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
