WPL 2025: In Healy’s absence, it is Deepti Sharma’s task to complete the puzzle as UP Warriorz skipper

WPL 2025: In Healy’s absence, it is Deepti Sharma’s task to complete the puzzle as UP Warriorz skipper

With the skipper’s cap on her head, Deepti Sharma would be hoping to guide the UP Warriorz to a maiden final in the 2025 edition of the Women’s Premier League.

“I am excited about captaining in the WPL. I have led my state team before, so I will draw from that experience. This is a different challenge, but I love challenges no matter the level,” Deepti was heard saying in a press room ahead of the tournament.

In the inaugural season of the WPL, Warriorz finished third on the points table but bowed out of the competition to eventual champion Mumbai Indians. 2024 was a year to forget for the Uttar Pradesh-based franchise as it failed to finish the top three.

However, the absence of regular captain Alyssa Healy – who was ruled out of this edition due to a recurring foot injury – has prompted the side’s management to put its faith in the local player and India all-rounder Deepti Sharma.

“But with this opportunity, I want the team to play a strong brand of cricket. We had a good run in the first season but lost momentum last year. This time, we aim to be more consistent and put in our best performances,” Deepti said on Healy’s absence and how the team plans on playing this time around.

While it’s one thing to eye consistency, it’s another to successfully implement. And in doing that, Deepti could face a few headaches.

First task for the Agra tweaker would be sort out the openers. In Healy’s absence, someone like a Vrinda Dinesh – coming off an impressive domestic season after recovering from an injury – could make the spot her own.

A point of strength for the Warriorz is its packed overseas players department. The likes of Australian duo Tahlia McGrath and Grace Harris, along with English all-rounder Sophie Ecclestone are able middle-order batters. Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu, a big-hitter and handy with the ball too, is another asset to the side.

Warriorz also snapped up Australia’s Alana King for Rs. 30 lakh in the auction; a steal many would say given the purple patch she’s currently on. In the 2024-25 Women’s Ashes, King came out of as the highest-wicket taker across formats, with 23 scalps to her name.

Both Deepti and Ecclestone – both of whom had 21 wickets between them last season – will hope to weave a web around the batters with their spin. In their pace department, there’s India international Saima Thakor and Athapaththu who can help the side get crucial wickets.

UP Warriorz may have all the pieces of the puzzle available to it, but the responsibility of putting them all together will fall on Deept’s shoulders.