India, Feb. 12 -- UP Warriorz find themselves at a critical stage as they prepare for their third appearance in the Women's Premier League. After a third-place finish in the inaugural season, they slid to fourth place last year in the five-team T20 franchise league.

The absence of skipper Alyssa Healy, who is the franchise's leading run-scorer with 428 runs in 17 outings, leaves big shoes to fill. However, in Deepti Sharma, the Warriorz may have found just the right leader.

The India all-rounder had a remarkable WPL 2024 season where she showcased her all-round prowess, scoring 295 runs at an average of 98.33 and taking 10 wickets bowling off-spin.

The Warriorz's spin department looks formidable yet again. With Australia's Ashes star A...