UP Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar has opened up on the franchise’s bold decision to release India’s premier all-rounder Deepti Sharma ahead of the much-anticipated Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 mega auction. The move surprised many fans and experts, especially after Deepti’s stellar performances in India’s recent ODI World Cup triumph, where she was adjudged the Player of the Tournament.
The star all-rounder had been one of the pillars of the UP Warriorz setup since the league’s inception. However, the franchise has decided to undergo a major restructuring, releasing several key names in a bid to approach the mega auction with greater financial freedom and strategic flexibility.
A bold rebuild for UP Warriorz
The UP-based side, which reached the playoffs in the inaugural edition of the WPL, has chosen to go through a complete revamp ahead of the 2026 season. From their previous squad, only young batter Shweta Sehrawat has been retained from the uncapped Indian category.
Among the released players are overseas stalwarts Alyssa Healy, Sophie Ecclestone, Grace Harris, Tahlia McGrath, and Alana King, alongside Indian names such as Deepti and Kranti Goud. The decision reflects a clear intent from the management to rebuild the squad from scratch and target a more balanced combination during the upcoming auction.
Abhishek Nayar sheds light on tough call
Speaking to JioStar, head coach Abhishek acknowledged that letting go of proven performers like Deepti was one of the toughest decisions the franchise had to make. However, he emphasized that the move was part of a larger strategy to create a flexible and competitive lineup ahead of the mega auction.
“When it comes to retentions, it’s always difficult because you’re dealing with world-class players and leaders in their own right. 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,” explained Nayar.
Nayar further hinted that the Warriorz may still look to bring back some of their released stars if the opportunity arises during 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’s price tag and market value a factor
While Nayar refrained from directly mentioning it, Deepti’s high market value could also be a key factor behind her release. The upcoming auction, being a mega one, is expected to witness aggressive bidding for marquee Indian players.
Deepti, who was previously retained by UP Warriorz for INR 2.6 crore, is likely to attract strong interest from multiple franchises, potentially commanding a much higher figure this time around.
With her recent exploits on the international stage, franchises will view her as one of the most sought-after all-rounders in the auction pool. For UP Warriorz, releasing her might be a strategic gamble — one that allows them to re-enter the race for her signature at a more competitive price while keeping options open for other marquee names.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
