The UP Warriorz (UPW) have charted their path for the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 with a calculated approach. Holding onto their core strength, the team retained 13 players, including key talents like skipper Alyssa Healy, Sophie Ecclestone, Deepti Sharma, Tahlia McGrath and Grace Harris. Despite releasing only four players – Devika Vaidya, Shabnim Ismail, Shivali Shinde and Simran Shaikh – they entered the auction in Mumbai on December 9 with a strategic mindset.
The Warriorz showed promise in the inaugural edition, but missed out on a spot in the final. Their fourth-place finish in WPL 2023 saw them record four wins and as many losses in eight games, indicated their potential but also areas for improvement. Australian all-rounder Tahlia McGrath was one of their top performers, ending as the highest run-scorer for the team, notching up 302 runs from nine matches.
Meanwhile, the English spinner Sophie Ecclestone, showcased her prowess as the highest wicket-taker, claiming 16 wickets. Leading to the auction, the Warriorz possessed a decent purse of INR 4 crore, bolstered by an additional INR 1.5 crore, courtesy of the league’s augmentation of each franchise’s budget.
Warriorz splash out major chunk of purse for uncapped Vrinda Dinesh
The team aimed to address concerns primarily revolving around their bowling and middle-order batting. Having said that, entering the auction UP Warriorz had five slots which included one overseas player. They have roped in Dani Wyatt in a steal deal at INR 30 lakh while they splashed INR 1.30 crore on emerging talent Vrinda Dinesh in addition to Saima Thakor and Gouher Sultana.
While the retained squad appeared well-rounded, the focus for the team management was likely on strategic additions during the auction to fortify their roster. The combination of key retentions and signings of up and coming stars present an intriguing prospect for the UP Warriorz as they gear up for the WPL 2024, promising an exciting blend of experience and fresh talent in their pursuit of glory.
UP Warriorz Final Squad:
Sophie Ecclestone, Deepti Sharma, Tahlia McGrath, Alyssa Healy (C), Anjali Sarvani, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Parshavi Chopra, Shweta Sehrawat, S Yashasri, Kiran Navgire, Grace Harris, Lauren Bell, Laxmi Yadav, Dani Wyatt, Vrinda Dinesh, Saima Thakor, Gouher Sultana
Also Check: MI Squad 2024 Player List
UPW Squad 2024, Retained Players List, Roles & Price Details:
UPW Retained Players:
Role
Price
Sophie Ecclestone
Bowler
1.8 crore
Deepti Sharma
All-rounder
2.6 crore
Tahlia McGrath
All-rounder
1.4 crore
Alyssa Healy (C)
Batter/ Wicket-keeper
70 lakh
Anjali Sarvani
Bowler
55 lakh
Rajeshwari Gayakwad
Bowler
40 lakh
Parshavi Chopra
All-rounder
10 lakh
Shweta Sehrawat
Batter
40 lakh
S Yashasri
All-rounder
10 lakh
Kiran Navgire
Batter
30 lakh
Grace Harris
All-rounder
75 lakh
Lauren Bell
Bowler
30 lakh
Laxmi Yadav
Batter/ Wicket-keeper
10 lakh
UP Warriorz (UPW) Team 2024 Players List:
Role
Price
Sophie Ecclestone
Bowler
1.8 crore
Deepti Sharma
All-rounder
2.6 crore
Tahlia McGrath
All-rounder
1.4 crore
Alyssa Healy (C)
Batter/ Wicket-keeper
70 lakh
Anjali Sarvani
Bowler
55 lakh
Rajeshwari Gayakwad
Bowler
40 lakh
Parshavi Chopra
All-rounder
10 lakh
Shweta Sehrawat
Batter
40 lakh
S Yashasri
All-rounder
10 lakh
Kiran Navgire
Batter
30 lakh
Grace Harris
All-rounder
75 lakh
Lauren Bell
Bowler
30 lakh
Laxmi Yadav
Batter/Wicket-keeper
10 lakh
Dani Wyatt
Batter
30 lakh
Vrinda Dinesh
Batter
1.3 crore
Saima Thakor
All-rounder
10 lakh
Gouher Sultana
Bowler
30 lakh
Squad Strength – 18 (Indian-12, Overseas-6)
Purse Remaining – INR – 1.9 crore