‘It Feels Like We Are Playing at Home’: Deepti Sharma on Special UP Warriorz Bond

Deepti, who hails from Agra, said representing a franchise from her home state makes the experience particularly meaningful. With the five WPL teams having finalised their retention lists ahead of the 2027 player auction in Kochi on October 28, she reflected on what it means to play for UP Warriorz.

“As a player, I always think about how I can stay level-headed, and that mindset pushes me to keep improving. It feels like a great opportunity for me because I belong to UP, from Agra and playing for the UP Warriorz makes that connection special,” Deepti told JioStar.

She said the presence of supporters during WPL matches adds to that feeling of playing on home territory and gives her confidence while representing the franchise.

“When the WPL family comes to watch, it becomes even more enjoyable. The crowd supports us, and it feels like we are playing at home. That kind of backing gives you confidence on the field,” she said.

Deepti added that she wants to make the most of the opportunity and contribute to the team's success.

“I want to contribute as much as I can for this team and make the fans proud,” she said.

The India all-rounder has also taken on the responsibility of finishing innings for Warriorz, a role that requires her to remain composed while calculating the required runs and deliveries during the closing stages.

“The finishers are the ones who close out the game at the end and, I have been given that role with the bat for the UP Warriorz in whatever matches I have played, right from the start,” Deepti said.

She explained that her approach is centred on understanding the target, the number of deliveries remaining and what the team needs from her at that particular moment.

“Whatever position I bat at or however many balls I face, I must finish the job. And whatever total is on the board, that stays in my mind. I know how many balls are left and I must get the team to that total,” she said.

According to Deepti, remaining calm and trusting her skills are crucial to handling the pressure associated with the role.

“If I stay calm and back my skills, I know I can get the job done. When we think like this during the innings, we learn a lot from that experience. Every match teaches you something new about handling pressure and finishing games,” she added.

Her comments come as UP Warriorz prepare for a significant squad overhaul following two consecutive seasons at the bottom of the WPL standings.

The franchise has released several overseas and domestic players, including Deandra Dottin, Chloe Tryon, Amy Jones, Asha Sobhana, Shweta Sehrawat and Kiran Navgire.

The departures have opened up several spots for Warriorz to address at the upcoming auction, with all five franchises set to strengthen their squads on October 28. Each team can have a maximum of 18 players.

The fifth season of the Women's Premier League is scheduled to take place from January 14 to February 7, 2027, although the venues for the tournament have yet to be announced.