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WPL Auction Success: Why UP Warriorz Coach Calls Deepti Sharma a "Steal"

UP Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar is pretty pleased with how the WPL auction went for his team. He called the purchase of star all-rounder Deepti Sharma a genuine "steal" for the franchise. Nayar also expressed surprise at getting world-class bowler Sophie Ecclestone for well under their expected price. Overall, the coach feels the team executed its plan well and built a powerful squad for the new season.

Key Points: UPW Coach Nayar on WPL Auction Strategy and Deepti Sharma Buy

  • Coach Nayar reveals Sophie Ecclestone was acquired for much less than their budgeted amount
  • UPW used their RTM card to successfully buy back star Deepti Sharma
  • The team missed out on target Amelia Kerr but signed most planned players
  • Nayar's auction strategy and squad building received widespread praise from experts
3 min read

Most players went for numbers we had prepared for: UPW coach Nayar expresses satisfaction with WPL auction

UP Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar reveals his auction strategy, calling the purchase of Deepti Sharma a steal and expressing surprise at getting Sophie Ecclestone.

"I think most players went for the numbers we had prepared for. But Sophie Ecclestone was a surprise for us. - Abhishek Nayar"

New Delhi, Dec 3

UP Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar discussed the acquisition of key players, including Deepti Sharma and Sophie Ecclestone, at the recently concluded Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction and expressed satisfaction at getting players at the numbers that they had prepared for.

Warriorz built a powerful squad, and the highlight of their auction process was the acquisition of experienced players such as Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield, Deandra Dottin, Chloe Tryon, and Shikha Pandey, besides Deepti and Ecclestone, as they aim to clinch their maiden title.

Speaking on JioHotstar, Nayar shared his thoughts on their most satisfying bid of the auction, saying, “I think most players went for the numbers we had prepared for. But Sophie Ecclestone was a surprise for us. She’s a marquee player and someone who has delivered for years. I had kept Rs 1.8 crore in mind, so getting her at Rs 85 lakh was a big surprise. I believe the timing worked in our favour.”

Dubbed as one of the finest brains among all teams at the auction table, Nayar received praise from fans and experts alike after the Warriorz built a solid squad for the 2026 edition of the tournament.

Speaking on how effectively the team’s auction plan was executed, Nayar stated, “I think, barring Amelia, whom we missed out on, we managed to sign almost everyone we bid for. Shree Charani was a last-minute choice; she wasn’t originally in our plan. We thought getting Sophie could be tough, and if (Sree) Charani came in alongside her, it would have been ideal since they bowl in different phases. Now that she didn’t come, we’ll reassess.”

UPW, after releasing Deepti Sharma, bought back the all-rounder’s services at a higher price, and Nayar stated that the think tank’s approach was to wait and see how the auction unfolded, and Rs. 3.5 crore was the amount they had set for their first retention. With Deepti’s name coming up first, UPW used their Right-to-Match option and got the World Cup-winner for Rs. 3.2 crore.

“You rarely get a player who has performed consistently for so many years. Our thought process was simply to see how the auction unfolded. In many ways, our first retention was at Rs 3.5 crore, so getting her was essentially a steal for us. Deepti was always a priority. It’s a steal you don’t often see in Indian cricket. We’re always happy to have her back,” Nayar noted

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Rohit P
Smart auction strategy. Using RTM for Deepti at 3.2 crore when they had budgeted 3.5 crore shows good planning. But I hope they have a solid backup plan for the middle overs now that they missed out on Amelia Kerr. That could be a gap.
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Sarah B
The mix of experience (Lanning, Dottin) and young talent (Litchfield) looks exciting. Ecclestone is a world-class bowler. UPW should be strong contenders this time. WPL is getting more competitive every year!
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Arjun K
As a UP fan, I'm thrilled Deepti is back! She's the heart of the team. Paying a premium for her was the right call. Her experience is priceless. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Kavya N
Respectfully, while the squad is good on paper, the real test is on the field. Last minute picks like Shree Charani not being in the original plan shows some reactive thinking. Hope the team management can gel them all together properly.
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Michael C
Interesting insight into the auction room strategy. The "timing" factor Nayar mentioned for Ecclestone's bid is crucial. Sometimes luck favors the prepared mind. UPW seems to have had both.

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