MI outbid UP to take back Kerala star Sajana in WPL auction, Minnu returns to DC

Kerala's Sajana Sajeevan will return to defending champions Mumbai Indians for Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026. MI secured the services of the lanky all-rounder from Wayanad for ₹75 lakh after spirited bidding with UP Warriorz.

Sajana becomes the second costliest Kerala player in the WPL after leg spinner Asha Sobhana, whose services were secured by UP Warriorz for ₹1.10 crore.

Sajana's name came up for auction at a base price of ₹30 lakh. UP raised the bidding paddle just as the auctioneer was going to declare her unsold. But MI jumped in immediately, and the two franchises kept outbidding each other.

MI had the last laugh, having taken back the hard-hitter, who has represented them since 2024, when she was roped in for a base price of ₹10 lakh.

Sajana is an energetic cricketer who is known for maintaining a good rapport with juniors and senior players alike. Despite batting down the order and not bowling regularly, Sajana chipped in with valuable performances in MI's title win. She is also an exceptional fielder, who won the Best Catch of the Season award in 2024.

Minnu: Initially unsold
Suprisingly, Minnu Mani went unsold initially in the auction. The Wayanad-based all-rounder had a base price of ₹40 lakh. Eventually, Delhi Capitals were willing to spend the amount on the 26-year-old in the last round.

Minnu will return to Delhi, the franchise she represented in the last three editions. Minnu had a best of 3/17 last season, bowling off-break.

She is also known for her leadership skills, which earned her the India-A captaincy recently. Minnu impressed in India A's victories over New Zealand and Australia A this year.