Shikha Pandey ignites a fierce bidding war
The auction hall erupted in excitement as soon as Pandey’s name appeared on the board. Starting with a modest base price of INR 40 lakh, the 36-year-old quickly became the focus of a heated match between UP Warriorz (UPW) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Both franchises, keen to strengthen their bowling arsenal with an experienced seamer who brings control and composure under pressure, continued to press the paddle with ruthless intent. What started as a measured exchange soon turned into a high-voltage tug-of-war, with the bid soaring past the Rs 1 crore mark within minutes.
The intensity only increased as RCB temporarily took the lead with INR 2.2 crore and looked set to land the veteran. But UPW, armed with the auction’s biggest purse, made a decisive late surge to complete the deal INR 2.40 million and leaves the room buzzing.
READ also: Deepti Sharma emerges as the second most expensive player in WPL history
Second most expensive Indian at auction
Pandey’s mega signing took her to the position of the second most expensive Indian player of the day, just behind Deepti Sharmawhich was held via the Right to Match (RTM) card for a staggering INR 3.2 crore.
This outcome marks a remarkable turnaround for Pandey, who fetched just INR 60 lakh in the previous mega auction. Her exponential rise in value highlights the increasing demand for skilled Indian seamers in the WPL ecosystem, especially those who offer swing, discipline and adaptability.
Here’s how fans reacted:
🚨 36-year-old veteran Shikha Pandey joined UP Warriors for a whopping 2.40 crores!
– Getting paid 2.40 crores at the age of 36.
– She has been a great player in WPL & WBBL.
RCB went for her up to 2.20 crores. I don’t know why the Indian team ignored her for two years❤️🐐pic.twitter.com/x3nv8bskYv
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) November 27, 2025
Experience 🤝 Class
New discussions for Shikha Pandey as she joins @UPWarriorz for a whopping INR 2.4 Crore 💛💜#TATAWPL | #TATAWPLAauction pic.twitter.com/nMvcWjsfvC
— Premier League Women (WPL) (@wplt20) November 27, 2025
Shikha Pandey becomes the third most expensive purchase at the auction 💰
The experienced star goes to UP Warriorz 🎯#ShikhaPandey #WPLAuction pic.twitter.com/5hmSJp5iGy— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) November 27, 2025
Abhishek Nayar brings Shikha Pandey and Deandra Dottin to UP Warriorz from the WPL Auction.
TKRW → Abhishek Nayar’s Mentorship Touch in WPL! ❤👌 pic.twitter.com/EgNcUsP5eU
— Rokte Amar KKR (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) November 27, 2025
🚨Shikha Pandey in UP Warriorz🚨
Matches – 27 || Wickets – 30
She is 36 years old and sold to Up Warriorz with 2.40 CR 🤯
2nd Highest Bid for Indian Player in WPL 26 Auction..!! pic.twitter.com/ECaKe3KHFU
— VIKAS (@Vikas662005) November 27, 2025
2.40 cr for shikha pandey. SO SO DESERVED
— s (@_sectumsempra18) November 27, 2025
Shikha Pandey’s smile as she said, “I’m so happy Meg Lanning will be there” 🥹🥹🥹 pic.twitter.com/bfHJrXtGyQ
— Lavanya 🎙️🎥👩🏻💻 (@lav_narayanan) November 27, 2025
Shikha Pandey becomes 4th most expensive player in WPL history with bid of 2.4 Cr from UPW#shikhapandey #WPLMegaAuction #WPL2026
— Ambika (@apmahapatra) November 27, 2025
• Wolvardt to Delhi!
• UPW goes all-in! 💜Dottin ✅Sophie ✅Deepti ✅Kranti ✅Kiran ✅Shikha Pandey for ₹2.4 Cr UPW and building a powerhouse! #UPWarriorz • Lauren Bell → RCB 🔴
• Linsey Smith → RCB Another smart addition to bowling. #WPLAuction
• Lizelle Lee to Delhi Capitals— Samartha (@samartha_ggg) November 27, 2025
A big payday for Shikha Pandey! 💰 #WPLAuction #wpl2026 #UPWarriorz #Delhi #India pic.twitter.com/AL9VrumLPb
— devil (@manojchawla979) November 27, 2025
Shikha Pandey Sold: – 2.6Cr
Warrior up #WPLAuction— Cricnow (@CricketNew73688) November 27, 2025
🔥 Shikha Pandey → RCB ₹ 1.80 Cr (3rd most expensive)
RCB & UPW’s bidding war was EPIC! 💥 #ShikhaPandey #WPLAuction #WPL2026 #WPLAuction2026 pic.twitter.com/4IwnhewwTS— Er.Rajiv (@Rajiv_siait) November 27, 2025
Shikha Pandey deserves all this and more.
Good choice, UP! https://t.co/BbJyKxe4gE
— Yash Lahoti (@YvLahoti) November 27, 2025
READ also: Fans stunned as Australian captain Alyssa Healy remains unsold at WPL 2026 mega auction
This article was first published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
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