South Africa’s star opener Laura Wolvaardt, known for her classy strokeplay and calm leadership, will play for Delhi Capitals (DC) in WPL 2026. She was bought for ₹1.10 crore in the mega auction held on 27 November 2025.
Wolvaardt, who previously played three seasons for Gujarat Giants, was surprisingly released ahead of the auction. But Delhi Capitals moved quickly and won the bidding battle against UP Warriorz and other teams in the marquee set. Her move to Delhi is expected to strengthen DC’s top order for the new season.
WPL 2026 Team and Auction Price
- WPL 2026 Team: Delhi Capitals
- Auction Price: ₹1.10 crore
- Base Price: ₹30 lakh
This is Wolvaardt’s highest-ever auction signing amount in WPL, reflecting her rising demand after a brilliant 2025 year.
WPL Auction History
| Year | Team | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Gujarat Giants | ₹30 lakh (injury replacement) |
| 2024 | Gujarat Giants | Retained |
| 2025 | Gujarat Giants | Retained |
| 2026 | Delhi Capitals | ₹1.10 crore |
Laura Wolvaardt WPL Stats and Records (2023–2025)
Wolvaardt has been one of the most reliable overseas top-order batters in the league. She has scored 500+ runs in just 20 matches with an impressive strike rate above 128.
Overall WPL Batting Stats
| Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 20 | 0 | 510 | 76 | 25.50 | 128.50 | 4 | 58 | 10 |
Overall WPL Bowling Stats
| Mat | Inns | Overs | Runs | Wkts | Avg | Econ | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 5 | 12 | 85 | 2 | 42.50 | 7.08 | 1/18 |
Season-Wise Performance
WPL 2023 (Gujarat Giants)
- 53 runs in 4 matches
- Played as Mooney’s injury replacement
WPL 2024 (Gujarat Giants)
- 222 runs in 8 matches
- 2 fifties
- Strike rate: 130.59
WPL 2025 (Gujarat Giants)
- 235 runs in 8 matches
- 2 fifties
- GG’s top run-scorer of the season
She consistently improved every year and became one of the strongest overseas openers in the league.
Key WPL Records & Achievements
- 500+ runs across three seasons
- Strike rate 130+ – among the best for overseas openers
- Known for consistency in powerplay overs
- Played a major role in GG’s batting core
- Turned from “injury replacement” to “marquee auction pick”
Wolvaardt is officially part of Delhi Capitals for WPL 2026. DC fans are excited to see her pair with top Indian and international batters, giving the franchise a more stable opening lineup.
Before the auction, she led South Africa to the 2025 ODI World Cup final and finished as the tournament’s top run-scorer with 571 runs, earning global praise. Her recent WBBL performances were also strong, making her one of the most in-form players heading into WPL 2026.
With Laura Wolvaardt joining Delhi Capitals at ₹1.10 crore, WPL 2026 gets another big storyline this season. Her reliable batting, calm leadership, and strong international form make her a massive boost for DC.
