Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Just around the corner, and the excitement is building as five franchises prepare for another high-octane season. Ahead of the much-awaited tournament, Star Sports conducted an exclusive interview with India’s premier all-rounder. Deepti SharmaDuring the conversation, Deepti shared her insights on the upcoming matches, potential breakout stars and her personal expectations, Fans are anxiously waiting to see if this edition can better the last season in terms of intensity and talent, Deepti’s reactions have already sparked significant discussion about the favorites for the preliminary round and the overall title,
Deepti Sharma’s WPL 2026 predictions: From rising player to winner
- When asked about the player Coolest mind and smartest shot selection During difficult moments, Deepti displayed her trademark confidence by saying ‘It could be anyone including herself or Sophie Ecclestone’ While she is polite enough to mention herself or her teammate Sophie Ecclestone as the leading candidate for that role.
- Looking toward the future of the league, he identified Kranti Gaur In form of Emerging Player of the TournamentGiven that, his form has been exceptional after solid performances last season.
- For power affected departmentDeepti had predicted this Phoebe Lichfield Will be the player to hit the most sixes this season, highlighting the Australian’s explosive ability.
- about Winner of high-profile WPL 2026 opening clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) And Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)He decided to remain neutral, declared both teams as champions and said that victory would go to the one who played better that day.
- Deepti also expressed her hope for patriotism Indian player to win Orange CapHe said he would be “very happy” if any of the five Indian teams achieved the feat.
- Finally, while discussing WPL 2026 edition winnersHe strongly supported his team UP WarriorsThere was a strong desire expressed for them to “overcome the barrier” and lift the trophy for the first time as they have yet to reach a final.
UP Warriors’ performance so far in the Women’s Premier League
UP Warriors has been a team of “close calls” in the history of the WPL. In the inaugural season of 2023, they showed great promise by reaching the Eliminator, but ultimately lost to Mumbai Indians. The 2024 and 2025 seasons saw them struggle hard, with Deepti Sharma emerging as their most consistent performer; Notably, she was the leading run-scorer for the team and the league’s fourth-highest run-scorer in 2024, earning the “Player of the Tournament” award.
Following the departure of Alyssa Healy, the management made an important captaincy decision by officially naming Deepti Sharma as the full-time captain for the 2026 edition. Having previously led the team in Healy’s absence, Deepti’s deep understanding of the team and her current “rhythm” as the world’s top-ranked all-rounder make her the natural choice to lead the Warriors. With a revamped squad comprising of stars like Sophie Ecclestone and emerging talent Kranti Goud, the team is betting heavily on Deepti’s leadership to finally secure their maiden WPL title.
Also read: Lauren Bell reacts after becoming the most expensive buy for RCB in the WPL 2026 auction
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
