The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is just around the corner and the excitement is building as the 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 Sharma. During the conversation, Deepti shared her insights on the upcoming competitions, potential breakout stars and her personal expectations. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see if this edition can surpass previous seasons in terms of intensity and talent. Deepti’s responses have already sparked much discussion about the favorites for the opening match and the overall title.
Deepti Sharma’s WPL 2026 predictions: From emerging player to winner
- When asked about the player with the calmest mind and smartest shot selection during crucial moments, Deepti showed her trademark confidence by saying so ‘It could be anyone, including herself or Sophie Ecclestone’ while being modest enough to mention herself or her teammate Sophie Ecclestone as prime candidates for that role.
- Towards the future of the competition, she identified Kranti Gaud as the emerging player of the tournamentnoting that her rhythm was exceptional after a solid performance last season.
- For the power-hitting departmentThat’s what Deepti predicted Phoebe Litchfield would be the highest six-hitter this season, underscoring the Australian’s explosive potential.
- As for the winner of the controversial opening match of the WPL 2026 between Mumbai Indians (MI) And Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)She chose to remain neutral, calling both teams champions and stating that victory simply goes to whoever plays better on the day.
- Deepti also expressed her patriotic hope for one Indian player receives the orange capand said she would be “very happy” if any Indian from the five teams achieved the feat.
- Finally, when discussing the winner of the WPL 2026 editionshe resolutely supported her own team, the UP Warriorzexpressing a strong desire to “cross the barrier” and lift the trophy for the first time since they have yet to reach the final.
READ also: BCCI Announces Full Schedule for WPL 2026; Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on Mumbai Indians in the opener
UP Warriorz’s performance in the Women’s Premier League so far
The UP Warriorz have been a team of close calls throughout the history of the WPL. In the first season of 2023, they showed great promise by reaching the Eliminator but were ultimately eliminated by Mumbai Indians. In the 2024 and 2025 seasons, they fought hard, with Deepti Sharma emerging as their most consistent performer; she was notably the leading point scorer for the team and the league’s 4th highest overall in 2024, earning “Player of the Tournament” honors.
Following the departure of Alyssa Healy, the management made a major decision on the captaincy by officially appointing Deepti Sharma as the full-time captain for the 2026 edition. Deepti’s in-depth knowledge of the side and her current ‘rhythm’ as the world’s best all-rounder makes her the logical choice to lead the Warriorz, having previously led the side in Healy’s absence. With a renewed team featuring stars like Sophie Ecclestone and rising talent Kranti Gaud, the team is banking heavily on Deepti’s leadership to finally secure their first WPL title.
READ also: Lauren Bell reacts after becoming RCB’s most expensive purchase in the WPL 2026 auction
This article was first published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
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