What if India legend Mithali Raj was part of the WPL auction?

if Women’s Premier League (WPL) It was launched during the former India captain Mithali RajHer peak years – especially around 2017-19, when she was the undisputed backbone of Indian cricket – there is no doubt that she would have been the most valuable batting icon in the league’s inaugural auction.

By then, Mithali was not just a cricketer; She was the face of Indian women’s cricket. She holds the record for the most ODI runs, has already led India to a World Cup final, and symbolizes unparalleled calm, class and consistency. Her presence in the auction pool could have transformed the entire bidding dynamic and increased the league’s commercial and sporting appeal overnight.

Mithali Raj: The generational batting star who would go on to top the WPL

Teams entering the inaugural WPL auction would have viewed Mithali not just as a player but as a marquee brand asset – someone who would ensure visibility, stability and world-class batting returns. In an era when reliable top-order batsmen were rare, and Indian franchises were desperate for reliable berths in T20 cricket, Mithali’s reputation as a run machine was worth unprecedented value.

Her calm, temperament and ability to build innings under pressure would have been invaluable assets, especially in the big games that define the franchise’s season. Companies searching for a match-winning captain, on-field tactician and a prominent face were engaged in a fierce bidding war to secure her services.

What would Mithali have brought in the WPL mega auction?

In terms of auction value, it was easy to compare Mithali to the highest-paid players in the league. Just like foreign stars who have crossed the INR 3-crore mark – and elite Indian selections who have touched INR 2.5-crore mark – Mithali’s show would have comfortably crossed these numbers.

Given its stature, track records and leadership pedigree, its final price is likely to reach between INR 3.5 Crores and INR 4.5 Crores, making it likely to be:

• Highest-paid Indian batsman in WPL history
• Marquee signature similar to Virat Kohli In the early years of IPL
• A brand icon for any franchise looking for a leader to define their identity

The team that failed to win it in the auction would have immediately felt the strategic disadvantage – losing not only India’s greatest player, but also a captain who could define the franchise for years.

Read also: What if Indian legend Jhulan Goswami is part of the WPL auction?

Mithali’s tactical impact

The franchise that acquired Mithali would have gained much more than just a world-class No. 3 player. Her tactical intelligence, leadership skills and composure under pressure made her the heartbeat of the team.

Impact on the field

• She was stabilizing roles across formats, building partnerships and directing chases.
• Its experience in the face of every major international attack would provide stability during collapses.
• Her thirst for perfection and discipline in shot selection would set the blueprint for the team’s batting culture.

Leadership and direction

• Naturally, Mithali, who has led India for more than a decade, will take over as captain or vice-captain.
• Young stars like Shafali VermaJemima Rodriguez, Richa Ghosh Or that emerging local talent didn’t have a better mentor.
• Her vast tactical knowledge – from reading pitches to constructing chase strategies – would boost the IQ of the entire dressing room.

Cultural and commercial value

• Mithali’s quiet charisma and global stature would instantly elevate the franchise’s brand value.
• You will become the face of media interactions, sponsorships and promotional campaigns.
• Her professionalism creates a high-performance environment similar to what leaders like MS Dhoni and Harmanpreet Kaur Created for their teams.

While fans missed out on the chance to see her in WPL colours, imagining Mithali in a franchise jersey – anchoring chases, mentoring young prodigies, and leading with her trademark poise – remains an exciting what-if scenario that highlights her lasting impact on Indian cricket.

Read also: WPL 2026 Mega Auction: Complete list of unsold players

This article was first published in WomenCricket.comA Cricket times a company.