The UP Warriorz are gearing up for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 season with a fresh leadership approach, naming Deepti Sharma as their new captain. The announcement was made uniquely by former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina during a pre-match show, adding to the anticipation for the season. Deepti replaces Alyssa Healy, w??ho is out due to a foot injury, and will be the first captain to lead the team at their home stadium in Luc?know.

Deepti Sharma: The new captain of UP Warriorz

Deepti, an Indian all-rounder, has been a key player for the Warriorz since the league’s inception. She secured the Most Valuable Player award in WPL 2024, highlighting her importance to the team. Beyond her individual accolades, Deepti has experience as India‘s vice-captain and has led teams at the domestic level, making her a strong choice to lead the Warriorz.

Deepti expressed her excitement and honour in being named captain, stating, “I am delighted and honored to be named captain of the UP Warriorz, which is a team from my home state, the UP Warriorz has a fantastic squad, and we are confident that we will entertain our fans with the Warriorz brand of cricket, at the WPL this season as well. We can’t wait to play in Lucknow in front of our home fans and hope to inspire the next generation of women athletes.”

Also READ: Su??resh Raina ??unveils new captain of UP Warriorz for WPL 2025

UPW’s best playing XI for the Women’s Premier League

1. Deepti Sharma

• Role: All-rounder, Captain
• Strengths: Deepti is known for her exceptional skills both with bat and ball. As an all-rounder, she brings a balance to the team; her off spin is effective in the middle overs, and she can also anchor the batting order.
• Impact: As the captain, Deepti’s leadership and strategic acumen are vital for team cohesion. Her ability to perform under pressure makes her a key player in clutch situations.

2. Uma Chetry

• Role: Wicketkeeper-Batter
• Strengths: Agile behind the stumps with good glove work; capable of batting effectively in the lower order or as a pinch hitter.
• Impact: Provides security with wicketkeeping while adding depth to the batting lineup. Her ability to score quickly can be vital at the end of innings.

3. Kiran Navgire

• Role: Batter
• Strengths: Kiran Navgire is an explosive opener known for her strong technique and ability to play both spin and pace well. Her aggressive start can lay a solid foundation for the innings.
• Impact: An impactful player in the powerplay, Kiran’s run-scoring ability can set the tone for the match early on.

4. Shweta Sehrawat

• Role: Batter
• Strengths: Proficient against both pace and spin, Shweta Sehrawat‘s technique and consistency make her a reliable top-order batter. Her ability to rotate the strike is a valuable asset.
• Impact: Her presence ensures stability in the batting lineup, and she can play crucial innings when wickets fall.

5. Chamari Athapaththu

• Role: All-rounder
• Strengths: The Sri Lankan star is known for her explosive batting and handy left-arm spin. She is a big-match player who can perform at critical junctures.
• Impact: Chamari Athapaththu ‘s experience and skill can turn the game around in tight situations with either her bat or ball.

6. Sophie Ecclestone

• Role: Bowler
• Strengths: One of the world’s top spinners, Sophie Ecclestone is recognized for her accuracy and ability to take wickets in crucial moments. Her left-arm orthodox spin can hinder scoring rates.
• Impact: As a strike bowler, Sophie can break partnerships and shift momentum, making her a vital part of the bowling attack.

7. Tahlia McGrath

• Role: All-rounder
• Strengths: A versatile player who can bat in various positions and bowl medium pace. Tahlia McGrath adds depth with her all-round capability.
• Impact: Her ability to chip in with both bat and ball makes her a valuable utility player, enhancing team strategy.

8. Poonam Khemnar

• Role: Bowler
• Strengths: Known for her pace and swing, Poonam Khemnar can create early breakthroughs with the new ball. She is effective in the death overs as well.
• Impact: Her wicket-taking ability helps in curbing the opposition’s scoring and provides vital breakthroughs.

9. Rajeshwari Gayakwad

• Role: Bowler
• Strengths: A left-arm orthodox bowler adept in controlling runs and picking crucial wickets. Her variations are key to her success.
• Impact: Rajeshwari Gayakwad’s experience adds depth to the bowling unit, particularly in spinning conditions.

10. Vrinda Dinesh

• Role: Bowler
• Strengths: A young and promising spinner, Vrinda Dinesh has shown potential in domestic leagues and adds variety to the bowling lineup.
• Impact: Her performance in tight matches can be crucial, especially if she is able to take wickets at key times.

11. Alana King

• Role: Bowler
• Strengths: An excellent leg-spinner with the ability to deliver match-winning performances. Her leg-spin can be challenging for batsmen to handle.
• Impact: Alana King‘s wicket-taking ability, especially in the middle overs, can greatly benefit the team in reducing the opponent’s scoring momentum.

Also READ: WPL 2025: R?CB’s best playing XI for the Women’s Premier League ft. Smriti Mandhana

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

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

The excitement is palpable as the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 is on the horizon, and UP Warriorz are all pumped up to show th??eir class. The franchise secured the third spot in the previous season and underwent some changes, with notable shif??ts in the composition.

A glimpse of UP Warriorz squad

Alyssa Healy will continue as the captain, bringing her wealth of experience and leadership skills to the forefront. However, Lauren Bell‘s absence due to national duty creates an opportunity for Sri Lankan cricketer Chamari Athapaththu.

Best XI of UP Warriorz for WPL 2024

1. Alyssa Healy (Captain and WK): Leading from t??he front, Healy is not just a captain but a consistent performer. Her impressive record of 253 runs in nine games, including two h??alf-centuries in WPL 2023, makes her the linchpin of the batting order, bringing both stability and aggression.

2. Vrinda Dinesh: As an uncapped young cricketer, Dinesh is a rising star eager to make a significant imp??act. Her dynamic playing style and hunger for success could?? provide the much-needed spark at the top of the order.

3. Shweta Sehrawat: Emerging as a?? standout performer in the last season, Sehrawat has proven her mettle with both bat and ball. Her ability to handle pressure situations and contribute consistently makes her a valuable asset in the middle order.

4. Kiran Navgire: A seasoned T20I specialist, Navgire brings experience and flair to the batting line?up. With 155 runs in 8 innings last season, she is a reliable run-scorer capable of anchoring the innings.

5. Chamari Athapathtu: The addition of Chamari Athapathtu, the experienced Sri Lankan cricketer, adds an international flavour to the team. Her ability to dominate the opposition with both bat and ball makes her a key player in UP Warriorz’s quest for success.

6. Tahlia McGrath: A force to be reckoned with, McGrath’s rampant performance last season speaks volumes about her prowess. Accumulating 302 runs in just eight games with an impressive average of 50.33, she brings power-hitting and stability to the middle order.

7. Gouher Sultana: With a well-established reputation in the domestic circuit, Sultana’s inclusion in the playing XI adds experience and versatility. Her expertise as a reliable batter can be crucial in controlling the game and making needed contributions.

Also READ – WPL 2024: Best playing XI of Delhi Capitals

8. Sophie Ecclestone: Tasked with leading the spin charge, Ecclestone’s impressive record of 16 wickets in nine games with an economy of 6.62 last season establishes her as a potent force. Her ability to weave magic with the ball is pivotal for Warriorz’s success.

9. Anjali Sarvani: Spearheading the pace attack, Sarvani brings both pace and accuracy to the bowling de?partment. With? four wickets last season, she is expected to trouble the opposition batters and provide crucial breakthroughs.

10. Saima Thakor: A new recruit and an uncapped player, Thakor adds an element of surprise to the team. Her unknown prowess co?uld catch the opponents off guard, providing an extra edge to the bowling unit.

11. Parshavi Chopra: Another promising talent from the Indian domestic circuit, Chopra’s hunger to make a mark is evident. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her a dynamic presence in the lower order, rounding off the astute playing XI for Warriorz in WPL 2024.

Also READ – WPL 2024: Best playing XI of Mumbai Indians (MI)

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

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

The TATA Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 auction proved to be an exhilarating spectacle, featuring fierce competition among the five franchises vying for top-tier talent to bolster their te??ams. The bidding process took place in Mumbai on December 9 and was marked by intense battles as franchises strategically secured players, demonstrating a willingness to make substantial financial commitments.

Top 5 most expensive buys of WPL 2024 Auction

Among the plethora of talents that sparked intense bidding wars, five players etched their names in the record books by clinching million-rupee deals and became the talk of the town. On that note, let’s take a closer look at these high-profile acquisitions that are set to make a significant impact on the upcoming WPL season.

1) Annabel Sutherland (Rs 2 crore)

Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland stole the spotlight as she was acquired by Delhi Capitals for a staggering sum of Rs. 2 crore. The 22-year-old had previously been with Gujarat Giants but was released ahead of the auction. With 22 T20Is for Australia under her belt, Sutherland brings both batting prowess and bowling finesse to the Delhi Capitals. Her experience in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) with the Melbourne Stars further enhances her value.

2) Kashvee Gautam (Rs 2 crore)

Kashvee Gautam, an Indian all-rounder, made history at the WPL 2024 auction by becoming the most expensive uncapped cricketer. Gujarat Giants secured her services for a whopping Rs. crore. The 20-year-old recently showcased her skills with the India A team against England A, picking up three crucial wickets. Gautam’s potential and versatility make her a standout addition to the Gujarat Giants squad.

Also READ: WPL 2024 – List of players who remained unsold at the auction with their base price

3) Vrinda Dinesh (Rs 1.3 crore)

The power-hitting sensation from Karnataka, Vrinda Dinesh, secured a hefty deal with UP Warriorz, who invested Rs 1.3 crore in the talented cricketer. Although yet to debut for the national team, Dinesh’s reputation as a hard-hitting batter was solidified during her run in the domestic Senior Women’s One-Day competition. Additionally, she was also part of India’s U-23 squad, which triumphed in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Hong Kong.

4) Shabnim Ismail (Rs. 1.2 crore)

South African bowler Shabnim Ismail found a new home with the Mumbai Indians, who secured her for Rs. 1.20 crore. The 35-year-old speedster, released by UP Warriorz, recently showcased her skills in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2023, where she picked up 13 wickets in 14 matches. Ismail’s experience and pace add a new dimension to the Mumbai Indians‘ bowling attack.

5) Phoebe Litchfield (Rs 1 crore)

Australian batter Phoebe Litchfield joined the Gujarat Giants for a hefty sum of Rs. 1 crore. The 20-year-old holds the record for the joint-fastest fifty in women’s T20Is, achieving the feat in just 18 balls. Litchfield, representing Sydney Thunder in the WBBL, is a dynamic addition to the Gujarat Giants’ batting lineup and brings youthful exuberance to the team.

Also READ: Meet Mallika Sagar, the aucti??oneer for WPL 2024 auction

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

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.