The cricketing world was recently abuzz with a surprising revelation: the UP Warriorz franchise has opted to release star all-rounder Deepti Sharma ahead of the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 season. This decision has raised eyebrows, especially given Deepti’s sensational form, fresh off being named Player of the Tournament in India’s triumphant ODI World Cup campaign.
Abhishek Nayar, the head coach of UP Warriorz, has stepped forward to shed light on this bold move. His explanation offers insight into the franchise’s strategic thinking for WPL 2025, signaling a significant overhaul.
The Bold Move: UP Warriorz’s Major Overhaul for WPL 2025
The UP-based side, a playoff contender in the inaugural WPL edition, is taking a drastically different approach this time. They’ve decided on a comprehensive roster reset, retaining only one uncapped Indian player, the promising youngster Shweta Sehrawat.
The list of released players includes several high-profile names, both international stalwarts and key Indian talents. This extensive clear-out indicates a clear intention to rebuild from the ground up.
Prominent Players Released by UP Warriorz:
- Deepti Sharma (India)
- Alyssa Healy (Australia)
- Sophie Ecclestone (England)
- Grace Harris (Australia)
- Tahlia McGrath (Australia)
- Alana King (Australia)
- Kranti Goud (India)
A Shocking Release: Deepti Sharma’s Omission
Deepti Sharma’s departure from the Warriorz roster is perhaps the most talked-about decision. Her recent performance in the ODI World Cup was nothing short of spectacular, where she delivered a sensational all-round display.
She amassed 215 runs and claimed an impressive 22 wickets, including a match-winning fifty and a crucial five-wicket haul in the final against South Africa. Her pivotal role in India’s campaign makes her release seem particularly unexpected.
Coach Nayar’s Strategy: Resetting for the Mega Auction
Speaking on JioStar, Abhishek Nayar admitted that such decisions are never made lightly, especially when dealing with world-class cricketers. However, he emphasized the franchise’s desire for a fresh start and greater financial flexibility in the upcoming WPL 2025 mega auction.
“When it comes to retentions, it’s always difficult because you’re dealing with world-class players and leaders in their own right,” Nayar explained. “The idea from the franchise was to start afresh, have more money available in the purse, and build a team that can go all the way.”
The Pursuit of a Championship Team
The strategic move to release numerous players is designed to arm the UP Warriorz with a healthy purse. This financial advantage will allow them to be aggressive and discerning in the auction, aiming to secure players they believe can form a championship-winning squad.
Nayar also hinted at the possibility of reacquiring some of their released stars. “We wanted to make sure we have enough resources to get the players we believe can win the championship — and hopefully reacquire some of them at the auction,” he added, suggesting a nuanced approach rather than a complete severance.
Conclusion: A Bold Vision for WPL 2025
The UP Warriorz’s decision to release a significant portion of their squad, including marquee players like Deepti Sharma, reflects a bold strategic vision for the WPL 2025 season. Coach Abhishek Nayar’s insights reveal a clear intent to reset, acquire maximum flexibility, and build a side tailored for title contention.
While the choices may appear surprising on the surface, the franchise is confident in its process. All eyes will now be on the WPL 2025 mega auction, where the Warriorz will aim to translate their calculated risks into a formidable new roster.