Deepti Sharma on UP Warriorz bond: 'It feels like playing at home'
Synopsis
Deepti Sharma says playing for UP Warriorz feels like a home game — and that emotional pull is backed by tactical responsibility. As the franchise prepares for a major squad rebuild at the 28 October Kochi auction after two bottom-of-table finishes, the Agra-born all-rounder's words signal both loyalty and intent heading into WPL Season 5.
Key Takeaways
Deepti Sharma says her Agra roots make playing for UP Warriorz feel like a home game, giving her extra motivation in the WPL .
She has been assigned the finisher's role with the bat for UP Warriorz since her first season with the franchise.
UP Warriorz have released Deandra Dottin , Chloe Tryon , Amy Jones , Asha Sobhana , Shweta Sehrawat , and Kiran Navgire ahead of the auction.
The WPL 2027 player auction is scheduled for 28 October in Kochi ; each franchise can hold up to 18 players .
WPL Season 5 is set to run from 14 January to 7 February 2027 , with venues yet to be confirmed.
Women's Premier League (WPL) all-rounder Deepti Sharma has spoken about the deep personal connection she shares with UP Warriorz, saying her roots in Uttar Pradesh and the enthusiastic home-state crowd give her added motivation every time she takes the field for the franchise.
A Home-State Bond Like No Other
Deepti, who hails from Agra, described her association with UP Warriorz as uniquely meaningful. "It feels like a great opportunity for me because I belong to UP, from Agra, and playing for the UP Warriorz makes that connection special. It gives me extra motivation to perform. When the WPL family comes to watch, it becomes even more enjoyable. The crowd supports us, and it feels like we are playing at home," she said in an interview with JioStar.
She added that the crowd backing translates directly into confidence on the field. "That kind of backing gives you confidence on the field. I want to contribute as much as I can for this team and make the fans proud," Deepti said.
Embracing the Finisher's Role
Beyond the emotional connection, Deepti has also spoken candidly about the tactical responsibility she carries in the batting order — that of a finisher who must remain composed when the pressure peaks.
"The finishers are the ones who close out the game at the end and, I have been given that role with the bat for the UP Warriorz in whatever matches I have played, right from the start. So, I always think that whatever position I bat at or however many balls I face, I must finish the job," she explained.
She stressed the importance of situational awareness and calm execution. "I know how many balls are left and I must get the team to that total. If I stay calm and back my skills, I know I can get the job done. Every match teaches you something new about handling pressure and finishing games," she added.
Warriorz Squad Overhaul Ahead of 2027 Auction
Deepti's remarks come at a pivotal moment for the franchise. UP Warriorz finished at the bottom of the WPL standings in two successive seasons, prompting a significant squad restructuring ahead of the 2027 player auction scheduled for 28 October in Kochi.
The franchise has released several high-profile overseas and domestic players, including Deandra Dottin, Chloe Tryon, Amy Jones, Asha Sobhana, Shweta Sehrawat, and Kiran Navgire. The departures leave considerable room in the squad, with each franchise permitted a maximum of 18 players.
WPL Season 5 on the Horizon
The fifth edition of the Women's Premier League is scheduled to run from 14 January to 7 February 2027, with venues yet to be officially confirmed. All five franchises will head into the Kochi auction looking to fill their vacant slots and build competitive sides for the new season.
For Deepti and UP Warriorz, the auction represents both a reset and a renewed opportunity — and if her words are any indication, she intends to carry the expectations of her home state on her shoulders once more.
Point of View
But the franchise she is pledging loyalty to has finished last in consecutive WPL seasons — a reality her words quietly sidestep. The mass release of players including Dottin and Tryon signals that management knows performances have not matched sentiment. Whether the Kochi auction can deliver the squad depth to back Deepti's confidence is the real question WPL followers should be asking, because a third bottom-place finish would test even the most motivated home-state heroine.
NationPress
29 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Deepti Sharma say about playing for UP Warriorz?
Deepti Sharma said that playing for UP Warriorz feels like playing at home, given that she hails from Agra in Uttar Pradesh. She told JioStar that the local crowd's support gives her extra confidence and motivation to perform for the franchise.
What is Deepti Sharma's role in the UP Warriorz batting lineup?
Deepti has been assigned the finisher's role in the UP Warriorz batting order since she began playing for the franchise. She described the role as requiring calm, situational awareness, and the ability to chase totals under pressure.
Which players have UP Warriorz released ahead of the WPL 2027 auction?
UP Warriorz have released Deandra Dottin, Chloe Tryon, Amy Jones, Asha Sobhana, Shweta Sehrawat, and Kiran Navgire. The extensive overhaul follows two successive seasons where the franchise finished at the bottom of the WPL standings.
When and where is the WPL 2027 player auction?
The WPL 2027 player auction is scheduled for 28 October in Kochi. All five franchises will participate, with each allowed a maximum of 18 players in their final squad.
When does WPL Season 5 begin?
WPL Season 5 is scheduled to run from 14 January to 7 February 2027. The venues for the tournament are yet to be officially confirmed.
