New Delhi, Jan 6 (NationPress) Deandra Dottin, renowned for her exceptional power-hitting and impressive seam bowling, continues to be a topic of discussion in the cricketing world. The first-ever centurion in Women’s T20Is will make her presence felt in the 2026 season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) after UP Warriorz (UPW) acquired her for a hefty sum of Rs 80 lakh during last year's significant auction.

In the 2025 WPL season with Gujarat Giants (GG), Deandra showcased her bowling prowess by taking nine wickets with an economy rate of 8.43, which overshadowed her batting stats of 142 runs at a strike-rate of 154.35. Unfortunately, her campaign was cut short due to a serious knee injury sustained during warm-ups before a crucial playoff match.

After competing in The Hundred and WBBL, Deandra is now focused on clinching the WPL 2026 title with UPW. In an exclusive interview with IANS, she discussed her excitement about joining a revamped UPW squad under the leadership of Meg Lanning, teaming up with fellow power-hitter Kiran Navgire, and the emergence of Indian domestic talent through the WPL. Here are some highlights:

Q: What are your first thoughts about the UP Warriorz setup and what excites you the most?
A: Joining this team has been great. We had a fun get-together on Sunday filled with laughter. First impressions matter, and I'm eager to compete, be consistent, and ultimately win the trophy.

Q: How do you view Meg Lanning's leadership and what stood out in your chats with the coaches?
A: Meg is an outstanding leader and a great asset to the team. My discussions with the coaches have been positive, helping me understand my role and prepare for the first game.

Q: How fulfilling is it to witness Indian domestic players becoming match-winners in the WPL?
A: It's amazing to see new domestic players stepping up. They just need to keep up their fitness and preparation to rise to the levels of players like Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues.

Q: What distinguishes the WPL from other franchise tournaments you've participated in?
A: While it's still a 20-over format, the atmosphere in India adds a unique excitement due to the passionate cricket fans here.

Q: How significant is power-hitting in women's cricket now, and how has it evolved?
A: Power-hitting in women's cricket has significantly improved over the last couple of years, with players eager to enhance this aspect of their game.

Q: How thrilling is it to partner with Kiran Navgire this season?
A: It's very exciting! I wouldn't mind being at the non-striker’s end watching her hit those big shots.

Q: What changes have you made to your recovery and preparation routine for all-round performances?
A: My main focus has been on fitness post-injury, ensuring I stay lean and quick to avoid future injuries while keeping my skill training simple.

Q: What’s your biggest takeaway regarding the WPL's role in developing more fast bowlers?
A: It's all about sticking to what works for you and refining your skills without overcomplicating things.

Q: The UP Warriorz have yet to win a WPL title. What do you think is crucial for this revamped squad to succeed?
A: Consistency, playing freely, and enjoying the game while remaining fearless will be key.

Q: As a senior overseas player, how do you view your responsibility towards younger Indian players in skill development?
A: As a senior player, I feel a responsibility to help teammates improve, no matter the area.