Table of Contents
Predicted UP Warriorz retention list discussions heat up ahead of WPL 2026. Predicted UP Warriorz retention list places Deepti Sharma at the top as the franchise gears for a massive reset. Their 2024/25 run finished last on the table with only three wins from eight games. Since the tournament began in 2023, UP Warriorz have never sealed a top-two finish. Their strongest season came in the inaugural edition, yet progress stalled afterward. Now, November 5 stands as the final date to confirm retained players. The mega auction arrives from November 26–27, making choices more crucial than ever. Fans wanting constant squad scoops can browse cricketarmy.com for sharper updates.
Each team may keep a maximum of five players, with one uncapped Indian slot required. For UPW, careful planning around purse management and foreign balance matters. The unit is expected to return with four confirmed names and one RTM card for later bidding.
Deepti Sharma leads UP Warriorz rebuild
No surprise. Deepti Sharma remains the priority retention at ₹3.50 crore. As India’s star all-rounder, she remains key. Her recent Women’s World Cup 2025 ensured authority — 122 runs and 8 wickets. She builds innings with patience and switches pace smartly. Her bowling stands as her strongest suit: tight lines, canny deception, and strike power in the middle overs.
Her leadership experience strengthens her profile. Since Alyssa Healy’s injury, Deepti assumed the captaincy, adapting calmly. Under her, UP Warriorz remain competitive even through rough runs. Deepti stays the centrepiece of their rebuild across WPL 2026.
Alana King remains strong second choice
Alana King earns the second slot (₹2.50 crore). The leg-spinner starred in the latest Women’s World Cup, claiming 13 wickets in 9 games. Though she played one WPL match last season, her global form demands respect. She brings flight, sharp turn, and courage to attack at any stage. As conditions vary across India, her control in breaking stands helps lift match plans.
King can deliver lower-order runs too. UPW likely see her as essential for wicket-taking consistency. Her presence keeps the attack multi-dimensional.
Sophie Ecclestone — a world-class left-arm threat
Next comes Sophie Ecclestone at ₹1.75 crore. The world-renowned left-arm spinner thrives under pressure and concluded Women’s WC as the third-highest wicket-taker. Nine wickets and 98 handy runs in WPL 2024/25 underline her dual value. She grips overs late, turning games. Her length discipline silences big hitters.
Ecclestone enjoys strong control in the final overs. She shapes match momentum. Her retention feels automatic as UP Warriorz craft a specialist spin core.
Kranti Goud growing into key role
The franchise likely keeps Kranti Goud (₹1 crore) as the fourth retention. She snared six wickets in eight league games and impressed even more at the Women’s World Cup with nine important strikes. She improves each season. Her lines stay steady and she battles with calm rhythm. She fits seamlessly alongside Deepti and Ecclestone. Kranti provides balance — economical spells plus timely breakthroughs.
Her growing maturity and national-stage temperament make her a smart long-term hold.
RTM strategy for WPL 2026
With four retentions set, one Right to Match (RTM) may remain. UP Warriorz can then target a specific name during the auction. This could support batting re-enforcement or another spinner.
Purse availability stands at ₹6.25 crore. Careful auctions could strengthen top-order hitting and seam reserves. Management must chase dependable finishers to improve closing phases.
Potential release — Alyssa Healy
Alyssa Healy might be released. She missed last season due to injury, enabling Deepti’s captaincy run. Her release could open funds to pursue younger local batting options or overseas hitters. Yet, the RTM card could keep her within reach if her recovery stays on track.
Full UP Warriorz squad snapshot
-
Anjali Sarvani
-
Deepti Sharma (C)
-
Grace Harris
-
Kiran Navgire
-
Rajeshwari Gayakwad
-
Shweta Sehrawat
-
Sophie Ecclestone
-
Tahlia McGrath
-
Vrinda Dinesh
-
Saima Thakor
-
Poonam Khemnar
-
Gouher Sultana
-
Chamari Athapaththu
-
Uma Chetry
UP Warriorz outlook ahead of WPL 2026
The franchise has skill. But results have stalled. Retentions and fresh faces must carry spark. With spin-heavy picks, UPW can dominate slow tracks. Building a consistent opening pair remains a priority. Finishers must evolve.
Experience blended with youth could transition them to title contenders. A clear captain, match winners across spin lanes, plus auction depth expand their route forward. For fans watching the road to WPL 2026, more roster talk continues at cricketarmy.com — a hub for fixture noise and player buzz.
