The England opener, Danni Wyatt-Hodgeis a veteran T20 batter known for her aggressive strokeplay and high strike rate at the top of the order. Released by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Mega Auction, Wyatt-Hodge offers a wealth of experience, having played over 160 T20 international matches for England and featured in various global leagues.
Despite her release, she has been in excellent form recently in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL)scoring 251 in 4 matches so far with an average above 80 and a strike rate of around 156. For WPL teams looking to solve their overseas opening slot with a proven, impactful partner, Wyatt-Hodge represents a high-impact solution that can quickly set the tone for the innings.
3 franchises that can target Danni Wyatt-Hodge in the 2026 WPL mega auction
1. Gujarat Giants (GG)
Giants of Gujarat will enter the auction with the second highest purse of INR 9.00 crore and the need to rebuild almost its entire Indian core. Their main objective abroad will be to complete their first selected match, Beth Mooneywith a consistent partner. Wyatt-Hodge fits that need perfectly, providing an aggressive foil for the right-handed hitter to left-handed Mooney. GG’s previous overseas opening combinations have been inconsistent, and Wyatt-Hodge provides a guaranteed, fast start that fits the team’s need for big scores. His recent form in the WBBL makes him a compelling target for a team that needs to rebuild with power and experience.
2. UP Warriorz (UPW)
UP Warriorz has the largest auction purse of INR 14.50 crore and a significant rebuilding job, having retained only one player. Even though they may prioritize re-acquiring versatile talents from abroad like Sophie Ecclestone And Grace Harristhey are sorely missing a reliable and aggressive opening match abroad after their exit Alyssa Healy. Wyatt-Hodge offers an immediate solution, providing a proven opener with a high strike rate who can maximize the power play. Given their huge budget, UPW can afford to be aggressive in their bids for Wyatt-Hodge to ensure an explosive start that will lay the foundation for their powerful middle order.
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3. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Despite his release, RCB can still target Wyatt-Hodge, especially if he fails to secure a higher priority target or his price remains reasonable. RCB has a purse of INR 6.15 crore and a strong retained core, including captaincy Smriti Mandhana. Wyatt-Hodge has successfully partnered with Mandhana before (most notably in The Hundred), forming a destructive opening combination. If RCB uses its RTM card on a bowler like Renuka Singh Thakurthey will always need quality foreign dough. Knowing the team’s dynamics and the praise it received from Mandhana for its performance at WPL 2025, RCB can view it as a cost-effective and high-impact option to secure.
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This article was first published on WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
