The WPL has come back with all its excitement and thrill. After a fantastic first season, the tournament is back with a power-packed second season. On February 23, Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians in the inaugural match. In the second match, on February 24, UP Warriorz will lock horns with Royal Challengers Bangalore. Before that, UP Warriorz skipper Alyssa Healy is focused on bouncing back from the setback of missing out on last season’s final.
UP Warriorz’s Goal:
Warriorz, who secured a commendable third-place finish in the previous season after facing tough competition from eventual champions Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, are eager to overcome the disappointment of falling short of reaching the final. Despite possessing ample resources, the team aims to reverse their fortunes and clinch a spot in the ultimate showdown. However, they face a challenge in selecting their top-order players, with both Wyatt and Athapaththu vying for opening positions alongside Healy, who is also an accomplished opener.
With a star-studded lineup boasting renowned players such as Healy, Danni Wyatt, Grace Harris, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Ecclestone, and India all-rounder Deepti Sharma, as well as power-hitter Kiran Navgire, the team received a significant boost with the addition of Sri Lankan import Chamari Athapaththu for her debut in the WPL. The inclusion of Athapaththu adds further depth and firepower to an already formidable batting lineup, enhancing Warriorz’s prospects for the upcoming season.
As the team prepares to embark on their WPL journey, they are poised to capitalize on their talented roster and strategic acquisitions to mount a formidable challenge for the title. With their blend of experience, skill, and firepower, Warriorz is determined to leave no stone unturned in their quest for WPL glory, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive season ahead.
Alyssa Healy’s Words:
In response to the unexpected inclusion of Chamari Athapaththu in the squad as a replacement for Laura Bell, who went unsold at the Auction, UP Warriorz skipper Alyssa Healy expressed her enthusiasm for the Sri Lankan’s addition. Healy acknowledged that Athapaththu’s inclusion is a valuable enhancement to the team, recognizing the potential impact and contribution the experienced player can bring to the squad for the upcoming season.
She said, “To add Chamari to that list of names that we have already got was a really great opportunity for us. It is going to be a really difficult conversation for management and myself as well as to who is playing in the eleven and what opportunities everyone is going to get. They are really good problems to have and she’s in great form.”
Healy emphasized her intention to likely open the innings alongside an Indian batter. In the previous season, the opening pair of U-19 World Cup stars Shweta Sehrawat and Devika Vaidya faced challenges, failing to deliver consistently. However, it was the middle order that played a crucial role in supporting Warriorz throughout the tournament.
She said, “We learnt last year that we can compete. A lot of people, a lot of chatter around the competition probably wrote us off early and thought the big teams were going to run away with the competition. We are happy with the underdog tag in particular and go out there and knock off some of these big franchises and show them what we can do.”
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