WPL is slated to begin on February 14, 2025. Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma has been chosen to lead the UP Warriorz team in place of Alyssa Healy.
The Australian was playing in the one-off Ashes Test purely as a batter due to a stress reaction. Now, she has been advised to rest for the next few weeks. It means that she will not be able to participate in this year’s WPL season.
Deepti has been part of the UP Warriorz team since the inaugural edition. She is also the second-highest wicket-taker for them, taking 19 wickets in just 17 games. She has also scored 385 runs as well. Last year in WPL, she scored 295 runs and was named the most valuable player of the tournament. During her dream run in WPL, Deepti became the first Indian player to pick up a hat-trick in the WPL.
The 27-year-old comes from Uttar Pradesh and will become the first player to lead her home franchise. She is also the leading wicket-taker in T20Is for India.
UP Warriorz will start their WPL campaign against Gujarat Giants. They are scheduled to play three games at home next month.
Here is what Deepti said about her appointment as a captain.
“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.”