WPL 2024, SWOT Analysis of UP Warriorz 

Arijit Kundu

image-lsvsealpUP Warriorz will look to qualify for the play-off this season (Source: x.com)

The second edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) is knocking at the door with five teams set to rumble against one another.  Following the WPL auction each team have stacked their squad with a blend of experienced and interesting names. One of those teams that reached the knockout stages but failed to progress into the grand final was UP Warriorz. Led by Australian captain Alyssa Healy, let us have a quick analysis on their current brigade. 

UP Warriorz Squad for WPL 2024

Batters: Alyssa Healy, Vrinda Dinesh  Shweta Shehrawat, Danni Wyatt, Kiran Navgire

All-rounders: Sophie Ecclestone,  Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris, Deepti Sharma, Poonam Khemkar, Saima Thakor, Saopadhandi Yashasri, Chamari Athapaththu

Pacers: Anjali Sarvani, Laxmi Yadav

Spinners: Parshavi Chopra, Gouher Sultana, Rajeshwari Gayakwad



Strength of UP Warriorz in WPL 2024

T20 Prowess

The Warriorz have a star-studded overseas contingent who are fabulous players of white ball cricket. The Australian star power of Alyssa Healy, Tahlia McGrath and Grace Harris coupled with Chamari Athapaththu and Danni Wyatt could be a fear factor for any particular opposition.  They are some clean strikers of the cricket ball and will bolster their batting depth. Also, not to forget Sophie Ecclestone's improved finishing abilities. 

Spin queens

The Uttar Pradesh-based side have brilliant spinners across the globe that includes Ecclestone, Deepti Sharma, Parshavi Chopra, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Gouher Sultana. Also, Chamari Athapaththu and Grace Harris could turn up with off-breaks if the need arrives. They have enough bench strength in their spin dependent that could turn out to be a utility factor at the fag end of the Bengaluru and Delhi legs.


Weakness of UP Warriorz for WPL 2024

Fragile pace attack

The pace department of the Warriorz look weak at the moment. Anjali Sarvani is likely to spearhead the bowling unit but on occasions she has been taken to the cleaners as well. Its worth noting that the services of Shabnim Ismail who was there with the team last season would be duely missed. In that case, either Saopadhandi Yashasri or Laxmi Yadav could be seen sharing the new ball with Sarvani. 


Opportunity of UP Warriorz for WPL 2024

Sehrawat's time for redemption

Its a huge opportunity for someone like Shweta Sehrawat to stamp her authority. Following a brilliant U-19 World Cup outing, the franchise backed her to open the innings with the captain but the numbers did less justice. This is a fitting opportunity to seize the moment and transcend her domestic brilliance into the bigger stage before the franchise could look for other possible options.

Threat of UP Warriorz for WPL 2024

Over reliance on Overseas structure

The Warriorz were too reliable on their overseas stars last season and failed to win the title. In country-based franchise tournaments, it is important to have a good blend of local talent. Going by that norm, uncapped cricketers such as Sehrawat, Yashasri, Khemkar, Thakor, Vrinda Dinesh, etc needs to step up for the team's cause and need to have a breakthrough season. 


image-lsvsc9d2SWOT Analysis of UP Warriorz (Source: OneCricket)


Players to watch out for

Alyssa Healy: The skipper of the side did not have a memorable season with the willow last year. However, she seems to have gained her batting form during the recent bilateral series against South Africa Women where she scored 99 in the only Test match. If she gets going, she can be unstoppable.

Vrinda Dinesh: The top-order batter has been in stupendous form with the bat over the last couple of domestic cycles. She accumulated 825 runs in 17 innings at an average of 58.4 across domestic tournaments. Recently, Vrindha also smashed a 69-ball 117 in the fifth round of the Women's U23 T20 Trophy. The Karnataka batter was bagged for a whooping INR 1.3 Crore in the WPL auction.

Grace Harris: For someone who has the reputation of brute power, the circumference of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium may seem too small for the Australian power-hitter.  She has the ability to rack quick runs in the middle or lower middle order and is also a stupendous fielder. Also, she can be very handy with her finger spin on Indian soil.


Evaluation of the  UP Warriorz Squad for WPL 2024

Batting

Experience- 8/10
Depth- 7/10
Power- 9/10
Finishing- 7.5/10

Rating- 7.9/10


Bowling

Experience- 7/10
Powerplay Potential- 6.5/10
Middle-Overs Potential- 9/10
Slog-overs Potential- 7.5/10

Rating- 7.5/10

Overall Team Rating: 7.7/10


Prediction for UP Warriorz in the WPL 2024 

They have some proven match-winners of the modern era but the team requires their talent pool to stamp their authority right away. They may finish in the eliminator round once again banking on 6-7 individuals of the team.