A total of 277 players are set to go under the hammer at the WPL 2026 auction on November 27, with 73 slots—including 23 for overseas stars—up for grabs. The auction promises high stakes and intense bidding, and among the many high-profile players set to attract significant attention, Nadine de Klerk is certainly a standout name. Known for her reliable medium-fast bowling and powerful middle-order batting, the South African all-rounder provides a rare combination of skills essential for success in the demanding T20 format.
De Klerk has been a central figure for the South African national side, valued for her ability to contribute effectively in all three departments. She is a reliable banker for four overs, possessing the ability to bowl tight lines and execute subtle changes of pace, making her a death-over option as well as a new-ball threat. Crucially, her batting provides muscle in the middle or lower order, making her an ideal finisher or a steady hand in a crisis. This dual-role capability is gold in the WPL, where squad depth and tactical flexibility are paramount.
3 teams that can target Nadine de Klerk in upcoming auction
1. Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians (MI), known for assembling powerful and deep squads, retained Nat Sciver-Brunt, who fulfills the primary role of a star overseas all-rounder. However, the WPL is won on depth, and MI would greatly benefit from having another high-quality player with a similar profile.
De Klerk, who was previously part of MI setup, fits the requirement perfectly: a competitive, multi-skilled player who can step up when required. She provides excellent insurance for Sciver-Brunt and allows MI the flexibility to rotate their overseas picks based on pitch conditions. In Indian conditions, having a reliable overseas pace option who can also hit a quick 20-30 runs is invaluable.
2. UP Warriorz
UP Warriorz (UPW) are entering the Mega Auction in a full rebuilding phase, having retained only one uncapped player, Shweta Sehrawat, which means they have a massive war chest and several slots to fill. This financial position allows them to be aggressive in securing the key players necessary to build a competitive spine.
It is likely that UPW will go for every crucial player who offers high utility, and De Klerk is certainly one such star. She represents an opportunity to acquire a proven overseas match-winner without having to break the bank for the highest-tier marquee players. UPW needs stability in both their middle order and their pace department. De Klerk can be the overseas all-rounder they build their new setup around, consistently contributing with both bat and ball, easing the pressure on the newly assembled squad.
3. Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have retained star players like Ellyse Perry, who offers world-class all-round utility. However, RCB has often struggled with finding consistency in their lower-middle order and dependable pace bowling depth outside of their primary options.
De Klerk fits the criteria of a charismatic and effective utility player for RCB. Her ability to operate as a pace bowler while also providing crucial finishing runs, addresses two of RCB’s historic weaknesses. She can stabilize the innings at number 5 or 6, a position where RCB has often been vulnerable.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
