UP Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar has shed light on the franchise’s surprising decision to release star all-rounder Deepti Sharma ahead of the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 season. Deepti, who was recently named Player of the Tournament in India’s triumphant ODI World Cup campaign, found herself among several high-profile names dropped by the franchise despite her stellar form. The UP-based side, which reached the playoffs in the inaugural edition of the WPL, opted for a major overhaul this time. From their previous roster, only promising youngster Shweta Sehrawat has been retained from the uncapped Indian pool. Overseas stalwarts Alyssa Healy, Sophie Ecclestone, Grace Harris, Tahlia McGrath, and Alana King have all been released, along with Indian names such as Deepti Sharma and Kranti Goud.
Speaking on JioStar, Nayar admitted that such decisions are never easy but insisted that the franchise wanted to reset and enter the mega auction with flexibility and a healthy purse. “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.” He also hinted that the Warriorz might try to bring some of their released players back through the auction. “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. Deepti, who delivered a sensational all-round performance at the ODI World Cup — scoring 215 runs and taking 22 wickets, including a match-winning fifty and five-wicket haul in the final against South Africa — was seen as one of the key figures in India’s campaign. Her omission from the Warriorz roster has therefore raised eyebrows. Nayar concluded by reaffirming that while the choices may seem bold, the franchise’s intent is clear. “These calls are never easy, but we believe in our process. The goal now is to go into the auction with intent, make smart decisions, and put together a side capable of winning the title,” he said.
