UP Warriorz Captain Deepti Sharma Calls for Home Support; Coach Jon Lewis Stresses Adaptability

UP Warriorz Captain Deepti Sharma Calls for Home Support; Coach Jon Lewis Stresses Adaptability

With the Women's Premier League (WPL) entering its crucial phase, the UP Warriorz are gearing up for their much-anticipated home leg in Lucknow. Led by the experienced Deepti Sharma, the team is set to take the field at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium for the first time in WPL history. The Warriorz will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage as they prepare to face Gujarat Giants on March 3, followed by Mumbai Indians on March 6 and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 8.

Home Crowd Motivation for UP Warriorz

Captain Deepti Sharma, one of India’s top all-rounders, expressed her excitement and confidence ahead of their home matches. She emphasized how playing in front of local fans would provide the team with an added boost.

“For two seasons, the UP Warriorz have waited to play on their home ground, and now that moment has arrived. It’s an incredible feeling to finally play in front of our own fans and families. We are determined to give them a spectacular performance and make our presence felt in Lucknow,” said Deepti Sharma.

She also highlighted the importance of home conditions, noting that the Ekana pitch tends to favor spinners. “The conditions in Lucknow have traditionally been supportive for spinners, and we hope that plays to our advantage. The crowd support will be immense, and their energy will drive us to perform at our best,” she added.

Adaptability – A Key Factor for Success

UP Warriorz head coach Jon Lewis stressed that adaptability will be crucial for the team’s success in the upcoming matches.

“The most important aspect at this stage of the tournament is adaptability. We have a well-balanced squad with a mix of experienced international players and young Indian talent. Over the next few days, our focus will be on understanding the playing conditions and fine-tuning our strategies accordingly,” said Lewis.

Impact Players Ready to Shine

Several players have already made their mark this season, and the home leg provides an opportunity for them to step up further. The likes of Sophie Ecclestone, Grace Harris, and Chinelle Henry have delivered impactful performances for the Warriorz. Meanwhile, young talents like Shweta Sehrawat and Vrinda Dinesh have impressed with their determination and skills.

Speaking about her journey, Vrinda Dinesh shared her excitement about playing in Lucknow for the first time. “It’s a great opportunity for me to be part of the UP Warriorz squad. The last couple of years have been full of learning experiences, and I am looking forward to playing at the Ekana Stadium,” she said.

Beyond the Game – UP Warriorz’s Commitment to Women’s Cricket

Beyond their on-field performances, the UP Warriorz franchise, owned by Capri Sports, has been dedicated to promoting women’s cricket in Uttar Pradesh. Over the past two years, the franchise has worked closely with schools and the UP Cricket Association to create opportunities for young girls to take up the sport.

Jinisha Sharma, Director of Capri Sports, highlighted their initiatives aimed at fostering women’s cricket in the state.

“The UP Warriorz are not just about competing in the WPL; we are committed to building a strong foundation for women’s cricket in Uttar Pradesh. Since the inception of the WPL, we have seen incredible enthusiasm from young players. Our initiatives focus on women empowerment, education, and sports development, ensuring that young girls get the support and encouragement they need to pursue their dreams,” said Sharma.

UP Warriorz WPL 2025 Squad

The UP Warriorz have assembled a well-rounded squad for WPL 2025, featuring a mix of international stars and domestic talents.

• Captain: Deepti Sharma

• Wicketkeeper: Uma Chetry

• All-rounders & Batters: Chinelle Henry, Poonam Khamnar, Kiran Navgire, Vrinda Dinesh, Georgia Voll, Grace Harris, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, Shweta Sehrawat

• Bowlers: Anjali Sarvani, Sophie Ecclestone, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Saima Thakor, Arushi Goel, Kranti Goud, Gouher Sultana

High Expectations from Lucknow Matches

As the UP Warriorz prepare for their home fixtures, expectations are high. With Deepti Sharma leading from the front and a strong squad backing her up, the team is determined to deliver memorable performances in front of their home crowd.

The support of the Lucknow fans could prove to be a game-changer for the Warriorz, and as the WPL 2025 playoffs race intensifies, these home matches will be crucial in shaping the team’s journey in the tournament.

Stay tuned for more updates as the UP Warriorz embark on their exciting home leg in the Women’s Premier League 2025.