The UP Warriorz Want to Start a New Era With Deepti Sharma in Charge
Deepti Sharma
So far in the Women's Premier League (WPL), the UP Warriorz have not done well. Even though they came in fourth place in 2024, the team has chosen to keep the same core players for 2025. In one big change, though, their leader, Alyssa Healy, will not be in charge this time.
Healy has chosen to take a break, which gives the team a new task and a chance to start over. Fans following the latest updates, including team strategies and player performances, can stay informed through platforms like Bet Pro Exchange login, where they can access real-time insights and match details.
The Warriors have struggled in almost every area over the past two seasons. Their power-hitters haven't hit the ball regularly, their bowlers haven't done better than their opponents, and their fielding has been all over the place. Considering these issues, the team is trying to turn things around in WPL 2025.
A Look Back at WPL 2024 and Where They Stand
UP Warriors placed fourth in the 2024 season and didn't make a big difference. Their performance wasn't very good, and they had trouble consistently hitting and bowling. Even though the team looked good on paper, they couldn't make their plans work on the field.
The Warriors are motivated to fix their problems and do better this year. The team hopes to turn things around now that they have a new leader, Deepti Sharma, and some new players.
Round-Up of Auctions: Few changes, a lot of faith
During the bidding for WPL 2025, the UP Warriorz didn't make many changes. They kept most of their players and only added three new faces to the squad. One of the most important additions is Australian spinner Alana King, who will strengthen the team in that area. The Warriors also got Madhya Pradesh's Kranti Goud as a bowler and Delhi's Arushi Goel as a hitter for the base price.
By sticking with their core players, the team shows that they have faith in their existing group. The Warriors will need their more experienced players to step up and take charge, though, since Alyssa Healy won't be there.
Newsmaker: Alyssa Healy's Absence
In the first two seasons of the WPL, Alyssa Healy led the UP Warriorz as captain. She has chosen to take a break for the 2025 season. The team would have been weaker without her because she was a good player and leader.
All-rounder Chinelle Henry from the West Indies has been brought in to fill the spot. Henry might not have a big part this season, though. The team will instead count on the players they already have to step up and perform.
Keep an eye out for The Department of Spin.
One area where the UP Warriors have always been strong is their spin department. Their spin attack is one of the best in the league, thanks to players like Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Sophie Ecclestone, Deepti Sharma, Gouher Sultana, and now Alana King.
Along with these expert spinners, the Warriors also have Chamari Athapaththu and Grace Harris, who play part-time. This gives the team many options and strengths when it comes to bowlers.
The slow pitches in Lucknow, where the team will play three matches, could work in their favor. But they'll need to get going in their first five games, which will be held in Bengaluru and Vadodara.
Most likely XI for WPL 2025
The UP Warriorz is expected to start these players in WPL 2025:
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If Chamari Athapaththu starts, he can give the team a good start.
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Kiran Navgire: She is known for hitting the ball hard.
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Tahlia McGrath is a good hitter in the middle order and a good bowler.
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Grace Harris is an all-rounder who hits hard and can change the game in a few overs.
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Young artist Shweta Sehrawat has a lot of promise.
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This is Deepti Sharma (c), the new leader and a very important all-rounder.
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Poonam Khemnar is a young player with much potential who can help with both the bat and the ball.
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Sophia Ecclestone is one of the world's best spinners.
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Uma Chetry (wk): The wicketkeeper-batsman who gives the team more options when it comes to batting.
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Saima Thakor is a young forward who has a lot of promise.
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Rajeshwari Gayakwad is a skilled spin bowler who can take charge of the game in the middle overs.
Full Squad for WPL 2025
The UP Warriorz team for the 2025 season is made up of:
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The batters are Arushi Goel, Vrinda Dinesh, Chamari Athapaththu, Kiran Navgire, and Shweta Sehrawat.
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Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris, Deepti Sharma, Poonam Khemnar, and Chinelle Henry are all-rounders.
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The bowlers are Uma Chetry (wk), Saima Thakor, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Kranti Goud, Anjali Sarvani, Gouher Sultana, and Alana King.
Schedule: A Mix of Challenges
The UP Warriorz will play their first five games in Vadodara and Bengaluru. Their last three games will be played in Lucknow. Here's a look at their schedule:
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On February 16 against the Gujarat Giants
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February 19 against the Delhi Capitals
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and February 22 against the Royal Challengers Bangalore
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Bengaluru plays Mumbai Indians on February 24 and March 26
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Bengaluru plays Gujarat Giants on March 3
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Lucknow plays Mumbai Indians on March 6 and Royal Challengers on March 8.
The Warriors might be able to change the game with the slow pitches in Lucknow, but they'll need to do well in their first games to get going.
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Key to Success: Sticking to a Plan and Doing It
Consistency will be important for the UP Warriorz to succeed in WPL 2025. The team must do well in every area, whether hitting, bowling, or defending.
Deepti Sharma will be captain, so her ability to lead and do well in all areas will be very important. The spinners on the team will also be very important, especially in the Lucknow games. If the Warriors can carry out their plans well, they can change their luck and make a big difference in WPL 2025.
Finally, the UP Warriors is starting the 2025 season with many problems and chances. The team's lack of Alyssa Healy is a setback, but they have the ability and depth to overcome it. The Warriors are ready to fight for a better finish this time.
They have a strong spin attack and a brave team. Fans will wait with bated breath to see if they can rise to the challenge and give an amazing show.
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