Top 5 all-rounders to watch out for in the WPL 2027 Auction

In less than 24 hours from now, Kochi will witness the battle of paddles officially known as the WPL auction. With 146 players to go under the hammer, if there is one category that will drive the teams look and think intensely, it is that of all-rounders.

In the shortest format of the sport, the contribution from the all-rounders can be game-changing and that is why exactly in a mini-auction where there are fairly big names in terms of their all-round prowess, one would expect the paddles to do some intense bidding when the round of ‘one-can-do-it-all’ hits the yard. Here is a quick look at five all-rounders to watch out for in the upcoming WPL auction.

· Chamari Athapaththu

The Sri Lankan captain, Chamari Athapaththu is one of the most renowned all-rounders across the international circuit. Athpaththu brings in a boatload of experience and alongside that her leadership is another one of the defining factors that comes in. She can steady the middle-order and can go all guns blazing when the situation requires. With 92 WT20I wickets and 4311 runs, Athapaththu can certainly be a force to reckon with.

· Sophie Molineux

A former WPL winner and the Aussie WT20I skipper, Sophie Molineux is undoubtedly one of the most known forces in WT20I. Recently leading Australia all the way to the crown of the world, Sophie brings in a singular perspective as a leader and an equally adept all-rounder. Molineux has 118 wickets in her WT20I tally while also being the Player of the Match in the 2024 WPL final for RCB.

· Sneh Rana

Another one of the seasoned campaigners who can do significant rounds in the all-rounder’s list is Sneh Rana. Having already been a part of RCB, DC and GG in the WPL, Rana has claimed 13 wickets while scoring 136 runs at a strike rate of 130.76. She has also played 31 WT20Is for India while claiming 26 wickets at an economy rate of 6.34.

· Orla Prendergast

The vice-captain of the Ireland women’s T20I team, Orla Prendergast is an exciting prospect to watch out for. With 88 WT20Is in her belt, Prendergast is no mug to challenges. She has bagged 69 wickets while bowling at an economy rate of 5.76 in the international sphere. Prendergast has also been a part of various franchise leagues across the world, making her someone who can bring in plenty of experience and some well-sought for variation as well.

· Jess Jonassen

Even though Jess Jonassen was ruled out of Australian T20 League, she would be one of the top targets in the WPL auction. Jonassen’s all-round flair featuring her left-arm spin combined with her tally of 295 runs across 24 games in the WPL will certainly make teams go after her. Jonassen has also claimed 33 wickets in the WPL, making her a strong contender in the auction room. Jonassen has also claimed 96 WT20I wickets while bowling at an economy rate of 5.76.