The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 season is already generating major headlines as teams finalize their retention lists, with UP Warriorz delivering the biggest shock of all. In a strategic move that has surprised cricket enthusiasts, the franchise has decided to release Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma while retaining emerging talents.
UP Warriorz Retention Strategy: Bold Moves and Surprising Releases
UP Warriorz have opted for a significant squad overhaul, parting ways with the experienced Deepti Sharma who was one of their key players in previous seasons. The 26-year-old all-rounder, known for her economical bowling and handy batting, will now enter the auction pool where she's expected to attract substantial interest from other franchises.
Rising Stars Get the Nod
While saying goodbye to established names, the Warriorz have shown faith in young domestic talent. The franchise has retained uncapped players Kranti Gaud and Saima Thakor, indicating a clear strategy to build around emerging Indian cricketers. This move suggests the team management is looking toward long-term development rather than short-term star power.
WPL 2025: Complete Retention Landscape
The retention deadline saw all five WPL franchises making crucial decisions about their squads. Each team was permitted to retain a maximum of six players, including up to four overseas cricketers, forcing difficult choices about team composition and budget management.
Key Retention Patterns Emerging
- Established international stars largely retained by their franchises
- Increased focus on uncapped Indian talent across teams
- Strategic releases to free up purse money for upcoming auction
- Balance between experience and youth becoming crucial factor
What This Means for UP Warriorz
The release of Deepti Sharma provides UP Warriorz with additional financial flexibility heading into the auction. With more money in their purse, the franchise can now target specific players to fill gaps in their squad composition. This calculated risk could pay dividends if they secure the right replacements during the auction process.
Focus on Building Balanced Squad
Retaining players like Kranti Gaud indicates UP Warriorz's commitment to developing domestic talent. Gaud, who impressed with her performances in domestic cricket, represents the type of value pick that can make championship-winning squads in franchise tournaments.
Looking Ahead to WPL 2025 Auction
With retention lists now finalized, attention turns to the upcoming auction where released players like Deepti Sharma will find new homes. Franchises will be carefully planning their bidding strategies to build competitive squads within their budget constraints.
The WPL 2025 season promises to be more competitive than ever, with teams showing distinct strategies in their retention approaches. UP Warriorz's bold move to release a star Indian all-rounder signals their confidence in building a team around different strengths, setting the stage for an intriguing auction and an exciting tournament ahead.
