India all-rounder Deepti Sharma has been appointed vice-captain of the UP Warriorz team for the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

The announcement comes days after the Lucknow-based franchise named Australia wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy as their skipper.

During the first-ever WPL auction earlier this month, the Warriorz roped in Deepti Sharma for a hefty sum of INR 2.60 Crore.

Deepti expressed delight at the prospect of being Healy’s deputy in the WPL season 2023.

“As someone from Uttar Pradesh, I am not only extremely happy to be part of the UP Warriorz team but also delighted to be named the vice-captain for the team. Along with captain Alyssa Healy, and the other senior players, we hope we can make the team function well and play some fantastic cricket.

“We hope our performances in the WPL can become a source of inspiration for the young women athletes in UP and we are keenly awaiting the start of the tournament,” Deepti said in a statement.

Capri Global Holdings Private Limited, the owner of UP Warriorz, is looking forward to Uttar Pradesh’s “favourite daughter” excelling in the tournament.

“Deepti Sharma is one of the most talented Indian cricketers and we are confident that her leadership qualities will shine through and she will be able to have a big impact. The whole state of Uttar Pradesh is going to be watching their favourite daughter, and we are keen to see her succeed in her new role as vice-captain of the UP Warriorz,” said Rajesh Sharma, Managing Director, Capri Global Holdings Private Limited.

UP Warriorz Squad: Alyssa Healy (Captain), Sophie Ecclestone, Deepti Sharma, Tahlia McGrath, Shabnim Ismail, Anjali Sarvani, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Parshavi Chopra, Shweta Sehrawat, S Yashasri, Kiran Navgire, Grace Harris, Devika Vaidya, Lauren Bell, Laxmi Yadav, Simran Shaikh.