WPL 2024: UP Warriorz (UPW) – SWOT Analysis

WPL 2024: UP Warriorz is a formidable unit that can challenge any opposition on a given day and the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League gave the fans and spectators an indication of the same. Led by the experienced Australian skipper, Alyssa Healy- UP Warriorz ahead of the WPL 2024 has assembled a stronger unit.

Ending last season in the third position, they will look to go a notch higher this time with consistent showings through the tournament that is all set to get underway from the 23rd of February and making it to the playoffs will be the aspiration for UP Warriorz.

Here is the UP Warriorz Squad ahead of the WPL 2024:

Alyssa Healy* (Captain), Anjali Sarvani, Deepti Sharma, Grace Harris*, Kiran Navgire, Chamari Athapaththu*, Laxmi Yadav, Parshavi Chopra, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Soppadhandi Yashasri, Shweta Sehrawat, Sophie Ecclestone*, Tahlia McGrath*, Danni Wyatt*, Vrinda Dinesh, Poonam Khemnar, Saima Thakor, Gouher Sultana

+ Lauren Bell (withdrew from the WPL owing to international commitments)

𝙒𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙧𝙯 𝙝𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙏𝙖𝙞𝙮𝙮𝙖𝙧! 💪🏻🔥 pic.twitter.com/9vS3Ika6RE

— UP Warriorz (@UPWarriorz) February 15, 2024

Let us now dive deeper into the SWOT Analysis of UP Warriorz:

Strengths:

Strong spin attack: A stellar spin attack is a strong suit and massive differentiator for the UP Warriorz. Led from the front by Sophie Ecclestone, a bonafide legend for England is a massive presence in the set-up coupled with the omnipresence of Deepti Sharma with Parshavi Chopra, Laxmi Yadav and Rajeshwari Gayakwad who will lend a lot of variety and stability to the attack.

Strong top-order: One of the biggest advantages for UP Warriorz is how they have a strong top order in their batting department. With Alyssa Healy, Vrinda Dinesh, Kiran Navgire and the additional bonus of Danni Wyatt, Grace Harris and Chamari Athapaththu in the batting only adds a lot of value.

Hey @58Chamari, you have 3 new messages. 💌#ChangeTheGame #CapriSports pic.twitter.com/YqdbLCtNvi

— UP Warriorz (@UPWarriorz) February 10, 2024

Stellar domestic picks: UP Warriorz has the finest possible picks of the Indian domestic circuit in the team. Laxmi Yadav, Parshavi Chopra, S Yashsri, Shweta Sehrawat, Gouher Sultana, Vrinda Dinesh, Poonam Khemnar and Saima Thakor. The list is endless and the prodigious talents have made the right noises and are on the fringes of India selection which is wonderful.

READ MORE: WPL 2024: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – SWOT Analysis

Weaknesses:

Lack of quality pacers: With Lauren Bell pulling out of the WPL, it will hurt their prospects in the pace bowling department. It will largely depend on the performances of Anjali Sarvani and Tahlia McGrath which makes their bowling very thin.

Reliance on the openers to deliver: With Alyssa Healy and Vrinda Dinesh likely to open the proceedings, a lot relies on how they will deliver. The rest of the batting will depend on them to provide strong starts and finding the right combination in the overseas player department will be imperative.

Uncertain number #3 and where will Deepti Sharma bat?: One of the looming questions that faces UP Warriorz is who slots in at #3 in the batting department? There are a lot of options to explore in this respect with Chamari Athapaththu, Danni Wyatt also in the fray, if the batting needs to be deepened. Deepti Sharma will possibly find herself batting at #6 but her strike rate has been very unflattering in the limited-overs and this season provides the perfect opportunity for that.

Opportunities:

For Vrinda Dinesh to make a mark: Vrinda Dinesh has been a force to reckon with in the domestic circuit, scoring runs at ease in the senior and age-level ecosystem. With a commendable batting technique and mindset, she is one for the future. A tournament like the WPL is the perfect platform for her to shine, make a mark for herself and break the door down for selection.

Anjali Sarvani to re-ignite her fire: Having made her debut for India, injuries and poor form have kept her out of the reckoning in mainstream cricket. With the WPL, it will be imperative to see how she excels which could further accelerate an India call back.

Kiran Navgire to play in a different position and excel: Often used as the designated finisher for the team, she can be used as a floater for the UP Warriorz across different positions. This would bring her flexibility to the forefront and she can maximise all the opportunities at her disposal to make a statement.

Threats:

Injury to the foreign players: Although UP Warriorz boasts of a strong squad, their fortunes still rely on how their foreign picks perform. Alyssa Healy will lead with her experience coming to the fore with the likes of Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Ecclestone and Grace Harris to extend their form which will help UP Warriorz’s cause. Any unexpected injuries or commitments to these crucial players could mean a derailment for the franchise in the long run.

Problems of abundance in the foreign picks: While UP Warriorz has an abundance of foreign players, it will be interesting to see how they get the combination right. With Alyssa Healy, Tahlia McGrath, and Sophie Ecclestone certainties in that playing 11. Who will be the fourth pick? Will it be Chamari Athapaththu or Danni Wyatt who will get a chance to play? Or will they Grace Harris who was in scintillating form last season and dazzled? It is a tricky question and only time will ascertain how things will pan out.

ALSO READ: WPL 2024: LIVE Streaming, Fixtures And Squad Details – Here Is All You Need To Know

WPL 2024: UPW Best Playing 11

Alyssa Healy* (C), Vrinda Dinesh, Kiran Navgire, Tahlia McGrath*, Grace Harris*, Deepti Sharma, Poonam Khemnar, Sophie Ecclestone*, Parshavi Chopra, Saima Thakor, Anjali Sarvani

First training session with the Coach sahab 👋 pic.twitter.com/CScQOrnDqH

— UP Warriorz (@UPWarriorz) February 15, 2024

Prediction 

UP Warriorz look like a strong and solid unit, however they still have areas to iron out. A playoffs finish like last time seems unlikely but they will still challenge the other teams and give them a run for their money.

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