Women's cricket in India is experiencing a golden era, where skill, ambition, and marketability intersect like never before. The Women's Premier League (WPL) has played a pivotal role in catapulting female cricketers into the financial spotlight, offering them record-breaking salaries and sponsorship deals that were once only associated with the men's game.
In 2026, India's top women cricketers are not just national heroes; they're millionaires with global brand appeal. Here's a deep dive into the Top 10 Highest Paid Women Cricketers in India, based on verified data from WPL retentions and auctions, central contracts, endorsements, and on-field performances.
10. Pooja Vastrakar - Rs 85 Lakh
One of India's most dependable bowling all-rounders, Pooja Vastrakar, moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru for Rs 85 lakh at the WPL mega auction.
- Role: Seam bowler and lower-order batter
- Strengths: Versatility across formats
- Impact: Key to India's depth in bowling
9. Kashvee Gautam - Rs 65 Lakh
Indian pacer Kashvee Gautam was brought back by Gujarat Giants through their Right-to-Match option for Rs 65 lakh.
- Specialty: Right-arm pacer
- Domestic Highlight: 10-wicket haul in U-19 match
- Prospect: Established name in Indian pace attack
8. Annabel Sutherland - Rs 2.2 Crore
Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland was retained by Delhi Capitals for Rs 2.2 crore.
- Role: Seam-bowling all-rounder
- Strengths: Reliable with bat and ball
- Growth: Also captains in the WBBL, seen as a future leadership option at DC
7. Shafali Verma - Rs 2.2 Crore
The explosive Shafali Verma, now 22, was retained for Rs 2.2 crore by Delhi Capitals.
- Born: January 28, 2004
- Debut: 2019 at age 15
- Style: Aggressive top-order batter, record-holder for fastest 50s
6. Beth Mooney - Rs 2.5 Crore
Beth Mooney was one of only two players retained by Gujarat Giants, kept on for Rs 2.5 crore as one of the most dependable openers in international cricket.
- ICC Records: Strong performer in both T20 and ODIs
- Style: Composed and technically sound opener
- Standing: A core pillar of Gujarat Giants' rebuild
5. Jemimah Rodrigues - Rs 2.2 Crore
Jemimah Rodrigues was retained by Delhi Capitals for Rs 2.2 crore, reflecting her continued value as a reliable batter and fan-favourite in global women's cricket.
- Born: September 5, 2000 - Mumbai
- Debut: 2018 (ODI), 2023 (Test)
- Key Traits: Middle-order batter with international experience
4. Deepti Sharma - Rs 3.2 Crore
Deepti Sharma went unretained by UP Warriorz ahead of the mega auction, then was bought back via a Right-to-Match call for Rs 3.2 crore, the most expensive buy of the auction, on the back of her Player of the Tournament showing at the 2025 ICC Women's World Cup.
- Born: August 24, 1997 - Agra, Uttar Pradesh
- Specialty: Off-spin and middle-order batting
- Highlights: First Indian to take a WPL hat-trick; Player of the Tournament, 2025 ICC Women's World Cup
3. Nat Sciver-Brunt - Rs 3.5 Crore
England's Nat Sciver-Brunt remains a household name in the WPL, retained by Mumbai Indians at Rs 3.5 crore - the league's new top retention bracket, and ahead of even her own captain Harmanpreet Kaur on the priority list.
- Key Skillset: Middle-order anchor and medium-pace bowler
- Consistent Performer: Known for clutch performances
- Recognition: Among ICC's top-ranked all-rounders
2. Ashleigh Gardner - Rs 3.5 Crore
While she represents Australia, Ashleigh Gardner remains central to Gujarat Giants, retained at Rs 3.5 crore alongside Beth Mooney as one of only two players the franchise kept.
- All-Rounder: Explosive with the bat and lethal with the ball
- Achievements: Key performer in Australia's ICC victories
- Net Worth Boost: Significant earnings through WPL and global sponsorships
1. Smriti Mandhana - Rs 3.5 Crore + Major Endorsements
Smriti Mandhana tops the list, retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Rs 3.5 crore, making her the highest-paid Indian female cricketer. Captaining RCB and carrying over a decade of international experience, she's more than just a face of Indian cricket; she's a brand.
- Born: July 18, 1996 - Mumbai, raised in Sangli, Maharashtra
- Role: Left-handed opener
- Milestones: 4,000+ ODI runs, ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year (2018, 2021)
- Leadership: RCB's captain, led them to the 2024 WPL title
Mandhana's endorsement portfolio now spans Nike, Hero MotoCorp, Mastercard, Gulf Oil, Wrangler, The Leela Hotels, Red Bull, Bata, and Hyundai, contributing to a net worth estimated between Rs 33-40 crore.
