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Bharti Fulmali Reveals WPL Auction Stress—And Why GG's RTM Card Meant So Much

Bharti Fulmali opened up about the stress of the WPL 2026 auction process. She felt a huge sense of validation when Gujarat Giants used their RTM card to secure her after Mumbai Indians also bid. The Indian batter is particularly excited about playing alongside New Zealand star Sophie Devine. Fulmali considers this upcoming season her proper WPL debut after previously joining as an injury replacement.

Key Points: Bharti Fulmali on Gujarat Giants WPL 2026 RTM Card Trust

  • Nervous during bidding as GG picked up the paddle late in the WPL auction
  • Felt valued when Gujarat Giants used RTM card to secure her for Rs 70 lakh
  • Excited to share dressing room with T20 World Cup winner Sophie Devine
  • Considers WPL 2026 her proper debut after earlier injury replacement role
2 min read

Was nervous during the bidding, but felt valued when GG picked me via RTM card: Bharti Fulmali

India batter Bharti Fulmali shares her WPL auction nerves and why Gujarat Giants using their RTM card made her feel truly valued for the 2026 season.

"I was very stressed when Gujarat Giants picked up the paddle quite late. But I felt good when Mumbai Indians also bid for me. Then GG used their RTM card to keep me; that showed their trust and made me feel really valued. - Bharti Fulmali"

New Delhi, Nov 29

India batter Bharti Fulmali revealed she was nervous during the WPL 2026 auction and said she felt valued when Gujarat Giants (GG) used the Right to Match (RTM) card to secure her for the upcoming season, which will take place from January 9 to February 5, 2026.

Bharti, who played two T20Is for India in 2019, was reacquired by GG for Rs 70 lakh after winning a challenge against the Mumbai Indians (MI). In the 2025 season, Bharti scored her maiden WPL fifty for GG off just 22 balls, giving MI a strong scare.

“I was very stressed when Gujarat Giants picked up the paddle quite late. But I felt good when Mumbai Indians also bid for me. Then GG used their RTM card to keep me; that showed their trust and made me feel really valued,” she said on JioStar.

She also expressed delight at sharing the same dressing room with legendary New Zealand all-rounder Sophie Devine in the 2026 WPL. “When Gujarat signed Sophie Devine in the first round, I felt very happy.”

“As her teammate, I’ll get to play alongside a big player like her, a T20 World Cup winner, who has won many games for New Zealand. Playing with such great players always helps you improve, and I’m looking forward to a wonderful season 4 with Gujarat Giants,” added Bharti.

In WPL, Bharti has so far averaged 49.25 with the bat and boasts a high strike rate of 151.53 as a finisher. “This will be my proper debut since I only played earlier as an injury replacement for Harleen Deol. After going unsold in the last two auctions, this moment feels very special.”

“I was nervous during the bidding, but felt great when Gujarat Giants picked me. Having played my last two seasons with them, I really wanted to return to this team,” she added.

Meanwhile, New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr expressed her excitement to rejoin the Mumbai Indians for the upcoming season, after the franchise reacquired her for Rs. 3 crore. “I can’t wait to be back with the Mumbai Indians family. I’ve absolutely loved my last three years here, especially winning two WPL trophies. I’m really excited to return and look forward to winning more championships with this amazing team.”

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
After going unsold in last two auctions, this comeback story is inspiring! Shows persistence pays off. Hope she gets more opportunities to play for India too 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see MI also bidding for her - they must have seen her potential after that 22-ball fifty against them! Good strategic move by GG to retain her.
A
Arjun K
Rs 70 lakh is well deserved for her performance. WPL is really changing women's cricket in India. More power to our women cricketers! 💪
M
Michael C
While I'm happy for Bharti, I hope GG gives her consistent playing time this season. Being an injury replacement previously wasn't ideal for her career growth.
K
Kavya N
Learning from Sophie Devine will be amazing for her growth! International exposure through WPL is the best thing that happened to Indian women's cricket. So proud! ✨

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