The first player auction for the much-anticipated Women’s T20 League was a landmark moment in the history of women’s cricket. The 2023 auction was a massive event, with star Indian batter Smriti Mandhana earning a Rs. 3.4 crore bid from the Bangalore-based franchise.
Other players, including India women’s skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma, also received a mammoth sum for their services. Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma were bought by Mumbai and UP-based franchises for Rs 1.8 crore and Rs 2.6 crore, respectively.
Nonetheless, the auction has provided a platform for many bright young players, particularly those from the U-19 World Cup team, to establish a name for themselves. However, considering recent performances some players have been overpriced by franchises and could become trouble for their teams.
Here is the list of the top five overpriced players in the inaugural season of the Women’s T20 League.
5. Sushma Verma (INR 60 Lakhs)
Wicketkeeper-batter Sushma Verma was bought by a Gujarat-based franchise during the player auction of the inaugural edition of the Women’s T20 League. She has been roped in for INR 60 lakhs as a backup wicketkeeper by Gujarat.
The 30-year-old batter made her debut for India in April 2013 against Bangladesh in Vadodara. In her brief international career, the batter has failed to replicate her potential. She has just scored 31 runs in six innings at an average of 10 in T20Is.
Her recent performance also doesn’t justify the amount she received in the auction. In her last eight innings, she has scored just 76 runs at an average of 10 including two ducks. Her inclusion as a backup wicketkeeper batter could trouble Gujarat’s team balance.
