As UP Warriorz gear up for the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season, excitement swirls around anticipated retentions, potential releases, and strategic new acquisitions.
In their first two seasons, the Warriorz established a formidable core, featuring powerhouses like Alyssa Healy, Deepti Sharma, and Sophie Ecclestone. Despite their competitive edge, the Warriorz stumbled in the inaugural edition’s eliminator, falling to the eventual champions, Mumbai Indians, by 72 runs. Determined to climb higher, they bolstered their roster in 2024 with talents like Dani Wyatt, Vrinda Dinesh, Saima Thakor, Poonam Khemnar, and Gouher Sultana. However, inconsistent performances, especially in the pace department, saw them win only three out of eight matches and miss the finals.
The Warriorz are expected to retain a core lineup that maximises their strengths while allowing for targeted improvements. This core includes the team’s most impactful players who bring leadership, spin prowess, and batting stability: Alyssa Healy, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Tahlia McGrath, Chamari Athapaththu, Anjali Sarvani, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Parshavi Chopra, Shweta Sehrawat, Saima Thakor, Vrinda Dinesh, Poonam Khemnar.
To maintain a balanced squad and make way for fresh talent, UP Warriorz may release certain players who either lacked opportunities or didn’t fully meet expectations.
Likely Retentions by UP Warriorz:
Lauren Bell –
Despite her potential, Bell found it hard to secure an overseas slot given the competition from Healy, Ecclestone, McGrath, and Harris. The Warriorz might opt for an Indian pacer in her place to avoid the overseas limitation.
Laxmi Yadav and S. Yashasri –
Both had limited opportunities, with Yashasri playing one match where she took 1 for 26, while Yadav didn’t feature in any matches.
Gouher Sultana and Uma Chetry –
Sultana played two games without impactful results, and Chetry scored only 8 runs in her sole appearance, suggesting room for improvement in these slots.
Grace Harris (if released) –
A surprise potential release, Harris has been an anchor for the Warriorz, scoring 418 runs in 14 matches at an average of 41.80 and taking five wickets. If a trade deal is finalized, UP may have to part with her despite her significant contributions, especially because they’ve got Chamari Athapaththu in the roster.
These releases would free up the budget and create space to pursue more versatile players, especially in areas that require immediate strengthening.
The Warriorz will need to address specific gaps in their lineup, particularly within the fast-bowling department. The right mix of overseas and domestic talent could elevate their gameplay, providing the consistency and adaptability they’ve been missing.
UP Warriorz Likely Picks:
Shradda Pokharkar –
If released by RCB, Pokharkar could serve as an Indian pace option, offering UP an additional overseas slot. This would allow them to utilise Bell more flexibly.
Rosemary Mair –
With 31 T20Is under her belt, Mair has taken 29 wickets and delivered impressive performances, including nine wickets in the latest ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Nadine de Klerk –
A versatile player, de Klerk could bring depth in both batting and bowling. Her T20I career includes 534 runs and 46 wickets in 63 matches, making her a valuable dual asset.
Deandra Dottin –
Known for her powerful batting and pace, Dottin’s 2024 T20 World Cup stats of 120 runs at a strike rate of 162.16 and five wickets highlight her impact. Her career totals of 2,817 runs and 67 wickets in 132 T20Is make her a well-rounded choice.
Georgia Plimmer –
A reliable opener who could partner with Healy, Plimmer’s 396 runs in 37 T20Is demonstrate her consistency. She was instrumental in New Zealand’s T20 World Cup win, scoring 150 runs across six matches.
Adding a player from an Associate Member nation could also open up an extra overseas slot, giving UP Warriorz greater flexibility in squad selection.
If Harris is released, UP Warriorz will need a strong middle-order batter or all-rounder to step up. A player who can anchor the middle overs and provide a finishing touch would be ideal: Nadine de Klerk and Deandra Dottin (mentioned above) offer both batting depth and bowling strength, fitting the Warriorz’s needs.
UP Warriorz have a promising foundation, and with strategic additions, they can evolve into a formidable championship contender. Their vision for 2025 could focuses on:
1. Reinforcing the Pace Attack – By bringing in a mix of overseas and domestic pacers, the Warriorz can build a dependable fast-bowling lineup for consistent performances.
2. Strengthening the Middle Order – Securing a versatile all-rounder or batter to anchor the innings will provide the flexibility needed to adapt to different match situations.
3. Stabilizing the Top Order – Pairing Healy with a reliable opener would solidify the top order, allowing middle-order power hitters to play more freely.
With their core in place and targeted reinforcements in the works, UP Warriorz are setting the stage for a thrilling 2025 season. The right blend of retention, strategic releases, and tactical buys could transform this promising squad into a true championship contender, creating a season that fans and players alike will eagerly anticipate.
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