In lieu of Alyssa Healy, who has been sidelined by injury, India all-rounder Deepti Sharma has been named captain of the UP Warriorz for the forthcoming edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025. Deepti, who was the WPL 2024 vice-captain, will now have the complete charge of the squad. Australia's national captain, Healy, had to miss the competition because of a stress injury to her right foot. Her departure creates a big hole, especially in the batting lineup for the UP Warriorz. Deepti, however, is a capable successor in the leadership position due to her outstanding performance in the previous edition.
Deepti Sharma in WPL
Although she only batted in the top four twice in the WPL 2024, Deepti was the top run scorer for the UP Warriorz and the tournament's fifth-highest scorer overall. With just two dismissals in eight innings, she amassed 295 runs at an incredible average of 98.33. She was just as successful with the ball, finishing as Warriorz's second-highest wicket-taker with 10 at an economy rate of 7.23.
Deepti Sharma has become the third Indian player who will be leading a WPL franchise after Smriti Mandhana (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) and Harmanpreet Kaur (Mumbai Indians). This move brings limelight over another Indian player coming into the leadership role in the league.
Healy's absence continues to be a significant blow for UP Warriorz, even though Deepti's promotion enhances the team's leadership. Injuries have plagued the Australian batsman-wicketkeeper in recent months. Due to a knee injury, she missed several games in the Women's T20 World Cup and the second half of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL).
She was also unable to play in the Women's Ashes T20I leg due to a foot issue. All eyes will be on Deepti Sharma as the WPL 2025 season draws near and she attempts to lead UP Warriorz to a successful campaign in her first official leadership position.