3 players who can make India comeback after WPL

Gayakwad eyes India return via WPL 2026, a veteran spinner for Gujarat Giants Women.
Patil seeks India recall after injury, performing well for RCB Women in WPL 2026.
Pandey aims for comeback with UP Warriorz, a successful bowler in the WPL.

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What is the story about?

The Women’s Premier League has become more than just a franchise-based T20 competition. In fact, it has become a tournament that serves as a platform for players

who have moved out of the national setup to make their case for an India comeback. For many, consistent game time against top international and domestic talent gives the chance to grasp the attention of selectors.

Several players entering this season have performed consistently for India but have been sidelined due to injuries, form slumps, or competition for places. Their performances in WPL 2026 could once again see them fight for a spot in the national team. And today, CricTracker has a look at three such players who could well be on the radar for a national comeback.

Here are top 3 players who can make India comeback after WPL 2026

3. Rajeshwari Gayakwad (Gujarat Giants Women)

Veteran left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad is another player eyeing a return to the Indian team through a strong WPL 2026 campaign with Gujarat Giants Women. The 34-year-old was picked by Gujarat Giants at the WPL 2026 auction for her base price of INR 40 lakh. Gayakwad has enjoyed a solid international career, having represented India in five Tests, 64 ODIs, and 58 T20Is.

She has taken 99 wickets in WODIs at an average of 20.79, including a best of 5/15, and 61 wickets in WT20Is at an average of 19.13. Her last ODI appearance came against England in September 2022, while she last featured in T20Is during the 2023 Asian Games, where India won gold. Her most recent Test outing was against South Africa in June 2024. In the WPL, Gayakwad has played 19 matches, picking up 16 wickets. If she manages to perform well in this season, selectors could see her as a reliable spin option.

2. Shreyanka Patil (Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women)

Young Shreyanka Patil is slowly making her case for an India recall with strong performances in the ongoing WPL 2026. The 23-year-old all-rounder has already shown her value for Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women, who retained her despite a long injury layoff. In WT20Is, she has taken 20 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 19.20, while in WPL, she has claimed 22 wickets in 17 games, including her career best of 4/12, finishing as the Purple Cap winner in RCB's victorious season in 2024.

However, injuries of shin splints, wrist issues, and a fractured thumb ruled her out for nearly 14 months, forcing her to miss WPL 2025 and India assignments. Having returned for the new season, Patil will look to get back to her previous form and fight for a spot in the national team. It is worth noting that she last represented India in October 2024 during the T20 World Cup.

1. Shikha Pandey (UP Warriorz Women)

Shikha Pandey’s WPL 2026 campaign with UP Warriorz could see her push for an India comeback. The veteran seamer was one of the headline buys at the WPL 2026 auction, with the Uttar Pradesh-based franchise securing her for INR 2.4 crore after a bidding war. Pandey has started WPL 2026 well, picking wickets in both matches so far.

The 36-year-old last played for India in February 2023 during the Women’s T20 World Cup. Overall, she has featured in 62 T20Is, taking 43 wickets at an economy of 6.49, along with 75 wickets in 55 ODIs. In the WPL, she is the most successful Indian fast bowler, with 32 wickets in 29 matches at an average of 23.53.