Former India batter Anjum Chopra believes that the Delhi Capitals (DC) are likely to target Australian star Alyssa Healy in the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction, set to take place in New Delhi on Thursday, November 27.

For the 2025 season, DC had Sarah Bryce, Taniya Bhatia, and Nandini Kashyap as their wicketkeeping options, but none of them were retained earlier this month. With the franchise also releasing Meg Lanning, the Capitals now face the challenge of appointing a new captain. Given Healy’s proven experience as both a wicketkeeper and leader, she has emerged as a strong contender for DC at the auction. Healy previously captained UP Warriorz in 2023 and 2024 but missed last season due to a foot injury.

“Alyssa Healy is a formidable player with vast experience that can’t be overlooked. Delhi might consider her strongly as they look to fill the wicketkeeping role, so there’s likely to be considerable interest from that side,” Chopra said on JioHotstar’s show Most Wanted: TATA WPL 2026 Auction.

Chopra also noted that England spinner Sophie Ecclestone is expected to be among the most sought-after players this year. With a base price of ₹50 lakh, Ecclestone is one of eight marquee names in the auction. She has taken 36 wickets and scored 187 runs in 25 WPL matches and is currently ranked No. 4 among bowlers in Women’s ODIs. UP Warriorz are widely expected to use one of their four right-to-match (RTM) cards to retain her services.

“Ecclestone is a true match-winner and will undoubtedly command a strong price at the auction. Given the budgets teams have, she won’t come cheap. Most teams will see her as a key addition. Her left-arm spin and control make her a valuable asset,” Chopra said.

“While Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians might not prioritise her, teams like UP Warriorz will definitely look to use their right-to-match card on her. Even Delhi could consider bringing her in as a strategic option,” she added.

Among all participating teams, Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians have no RTMs left, while UP Warriorz enter the auction with the biggest purse and all four RTM cards available.