What if India legend Jhulan Goswami was part of WPL auction?

He was Women’s Premier League (WPL) I dashed through Golan GoswamI am Prime, circa 2017/18, when I held the world record for the most wickets in an ODI and was named ICC operator This year would have been the undisputed crown jewel of the inaugural auction.

Its availability at that time would have been a game-changer, as it fulfilled a key strategic need for the franchises: securing a true world-class Indian fast bowler capable of consistently bowling at speeds in excess of 120 km/h. Goswami’s reputation, peak fitness and legacy as the only Indian woman to win the ICC Player of the Year award at the time would have seen her value rise beyond typical domestic salary expectations. She was the most sought-after signing, not only to ensure instant wickets but also to establish the foundational bowling culture for any franchise.

Dynamics of the WPL auction for the best Indian player in the world, Jhulan Goswami

As the undisputed spearhead of the Indian attack, Goswami was not only priced above the domestic salary cap, but was comparable to the highest-paid foreign stars in the league. If it had been listed at the maximum base rate, it would have quickly smashed through the local salary cap.

Taking into account that international stars love Nat Skiver-Brunett and Ashley Gardner It fetched ₹3.2 crore, and was impressed by the top Indian players Harmanpreet Kaur It went for as much as Rs 2.5 crore, and Goswami’s offer could have realistically settled between Rs 3.0 crore and Rs 3.8 crore. She has undoubtedly become the highest-paid Indian player at the inaugural WPL auction, reflecting her undeniable impact on T20 cricket (with a best T20I bowling figure of 5/11 against Australia in 2012) and the strength of her formidable and enduring brand. The privileges she missed securing, or her legendary contemporaries, Mithali RajThey would have found themselves at a tactical disadvantage since the start of the league.

Read also: Explained – Why wasn’t Alyssa Healy sold at the WPL 2026 mega auction?

Jhulan Goswami’s impact on the field: The spearhead and undisputed leader

The franchise that acquired Goswami would have instantly acquired the most impactful player in the league and transformed into a title contender. As the only active fast bowler of her calibre, she was the undisputed leader on the field, playing every match and taking on the responsibility of playing the new main ball and the death. Her exceptional ability to generate rebound off her 5’11” frame would have made her a constant threat on any court.

But her influence was not limited to bowling. As a two-decade veteran of international cricket, she has also served as the tactical leader of the bowling unit, using her experience to identify pitches, mentor younger players and provide invaluable strategic insights. Its mere presence would have set the standard for professionalism, set a standard of performance for all teams and given its franchise the most important competitive advantage in the inaugural WPL season.

Read also: The 10 most expensive buys in the WPL 2026 Player Auction

This article was first published on WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.