Alyssa Healy, the captain of the UP Warriorz, has pulled herself out of the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 due to a persistent foot injury. The injury, which has been troubling her for the past year, worsened during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE and continued to trouble her during India‘s tour of Australia and then recently concluded Women’s Ashes against England. Healy was purchased by UP Warriorz for INR 70 lakh in the inaugural WPL auction, but her absence will now leave the team without their experienced leader for the season.
Alyssa Healy’s batting performance in Women’s Premier League
In the 2024 season of WPL, Healy managed to play 8 matches, accumulating 175 runs, with a high score of 55 against RCB. Her batting average of 21.87 and strike rate of 117.45 reflect her struggle to consistently convert starts into big scores. She hit 28 fours and 3 sixes, though her form was inconsistent, including a duck in one of the matches. Across her overall WPL career, Healy has appeared in 17 matches, amassing 428 runs at an average of 26.75 and a strike rate of 130.48. While these stats don’t quite match her usual caliber, they do showcase her ability to make an impact when in form. However, her performance has been marred by occasional failures to reach her potential.
Captaincy record: Mixed results for Healy’s leadership
As the captain of the Warriorz, Healy’s leadership has been met with varied outcomes. In the inaugural season, she guided the team to 4 victories in 8 matches, securing a respectable third-place finish in a five-team league. However, her second season as captain saw a decline, with the Warriorz winning just 3 out of 5 matches and finishing in fourth place. While Healy showed moments of tactical acumen, her leadership could not consistently inspire her team to the top. Her relatively underwhelming captaincy record highlights the challenges faced by UP Warriorz in establishing dominance, especially without consistent performances from key players.
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Healy’s withdrawal from WPL 2025: A major blow to UP Warriorz
Healy’s withdrawal from the 2025 season will undoubtedly create a leadership vacuum in the Warriorz squad. Her experience and calm under pressure were pivotal, and now the team will have to adapt quickly to fill this gap. The absence of such a senior and capable leader will put additional pressure on the other players, who will need to step up both on and off the field. The Warriorz will likely look to an emerging player to lead the side or might opt for a more experienced player to carry the weight of leadership. This situation provides a significant challenge, as the Warriorz will need to reinvent themselves and find a new direction for the upcoming season.
3 players who can replace Alyssa Healy in WPL 2025 for UP Warriorz
1. Pratika Rawal
Pratika Rawal has made an immediate impact in international cricket, scoring 444 runs in just six ODIs at a staggering average of 74 and a strike rate of 95.68. Her ability to play both anchor and aggressor roles makes her a valuable asset at the top. With three fifties and a century already, she has shown remarkable consistency. Her strong domestic performances laid the foundation for her smooth transition to the international stage. Adding to her value is her ability to bowl handy off-spin, making her a dual-threat player. Despite going unsold in the WPL 2025 auction, teams could reconsider her in future tournaments. If the Warriorz seek an emerging talent with all-round potential, Rawal fits the bill. She could provide balance to the squad while being a future investment.
2. Lizelle Lee
Lizelle Lee has been a dominant force in franchise cricket, proving her worth in the WBBL 2024 with consecutive centuries – becoming the first to achieve this feat. She amassed 399 runs in 11 matches at an average of 39.90 and an explosive strike rate of 155.85. Her aggressive batting style makes her a match-winner, capable of taking down any bowling attack. Additionally, her experience as a wicketkeeper adds versatility, making her a valuable pick. Despite entering the WPL 2025 auction with a base price of INR 50 lakh, she surprisingly went unsold. However, given her recent performances, franchises might still consider her as a mid-season replacement. The Warriorz, in particular, could benefit from her powerful batting at the top. Lee’s ability to dominate T20 games would give them the firepower they need.
3. Kim Garth
Kim Garth has been a standout performer in recent T20 leagues, showcasing her skill as a reliable pacer. In the WBBL 2024, she took 10 wickets in 9 matches while maintaining an economy of just 6.19, proving her ability to keep things tight. Her swing bowling makes her a threat in the powerplay, while her death-over accuracy adds depth to any attack. She has also impressed in high-pressure situations, particularly in the Women’s Ashes. With the Warriorz needing a dependable overseas pacer, Garth could be an ideal fit. Her ability to break partnerships and restrict runs could provide the team with a crucial edge. Despite going unsold in the WPL 2025 auction, she remains a valuable option for teams looking to strengthen their bowling unit. If Warriorz needs an overseas bowler, Garth is a smart choice.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.