Women’s Premier League 2025: Best playing XI of UP Warriorz ft. Deepti Sharma

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, who is out due to a foot injury, and will be the first captain to lead the team at their home stadium in Lucknow.

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: Suresh 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: RCB’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.