WPL 2026: Who is Shweta Sehrawat? The 21-year-old retained by UP Warriorz over Alyssa Healy and Deepti Sharma

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In an exciting prelude to the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, UP Warriorz has retained Shweta Sehrawat as their sole player ahead of the mega auction.

This comes after the franchise made the tough decision to part ways with major players like Deepti Sharma, Tahlia McGrath and others. Shweta’s incredible journey, marked by consistent performances at both the domestic and international levels, made her an obvious choice for retention. The young batting sensation, who has proven herself both as a match-winner and a leader, is now gearing up to be a cornerstone of the franchise’s plans for the future. Her remarkable rise, from the streets of Delhi to the international arena, has made her one of the most exciting young talents in women’s cricket.

1. The early days: A passion for cricket ignited in Delhi

Sehrawat was born on February 26, 2004, in Mahipalpur, New Delhi, India. She hails from a middle-class family, with her father, Manoj Sehrawat, a property dealer, and her mother, Neelam Sehrawat, a homemaker. Shweta is the younger of two siblings, with an elder sister, Swati Sehrawat, who played a key role in introducing Shweta to cricket.

Growing up, Shweta accompanied her sister to cricket practice, where she would often pick up a bat and mimic the moves of other players. Her father, initially hesitant about her cricket aspirations, was eventually amazed by her natural talent, especially when, at just seven years old, Shweta hit a perfect shot straight down the ground against boys who were much older than her. This was the moment that marked the beginning of her journey in cricket.

2. From local trials to U-19 stardom: A star in the making

Shweta’s rise through the ranks was swift. At the age of 12, she participated in the Delhi senior women’s trials, where she was selected as one of the top 30 players. From there, she made her way to the U-16 team and scored her first half-century against Haryana, proving her potential at a young age. As she continued to impress, Shweta earned a spot in the Delhi U-19 team, and it wasn’t long before she made her mark at the national level. Her transition from a middle-order batter to an opener in age-group cricket showed her adaptability and hunger for success. By the time she was in her late teens, Shweta had become one of the most exciting young prospects in Indian women’s cricket.

3. The U-19 World Cup: A breakthrough performance on the global stage

In 2023, Sehrawat achieved a major milestone in her career when she was appointed vice-captain of the India U-19 Women’s team for the inaugural ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup. During the tournament, she was not only a pivotal leader but also one of India’s star performers.

Shweta finished as the tournament’s top run-scorer for India, amassing 297 runs at a jaw-dropping average of 99. Her solid performances and leadership helped India to the U-19 T20 World Cup title. Shweta’s success in this prestigious tournament highlighted her ability to thrive in high-pressure situations, and her natural leadership skills were widely recognized.

4. WPL 2023 & UP Warriorz: Transitioning to the big league

In February 2023, Sehrawat’s name was called out during the inaugural WPL auction, where she was acquired by UP Warriorz for a hefty INR 40 lakh. Her first season with the team proved to be an eye-opener, as she adapted to playing in the middle order, a position that was relatively new to her in the professional circuit. Despite the challenge, Shweta impressed with her ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when required. Her performances added much-needed depth to the UP Warriorz batting lineup. As the team prepares for the 2026 season, Shweta’s retention indicates the franchise’s faith in her potential to carry the team forward in the coming years.

Also READ: All you need to know about Niki Prasad – India captain for the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025

5. The Delhi Premier League: Captaining success

Shweta’s leadership skills were further tested when she captained South Delhi Superstars to victory in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025. Under her captaincy, the team clinched the title, and Shweta’s contributions with the bat were crucial to their success. She scored an impressive 34 runs off 24 balls in the final against Central Delhi Queens, maintaining a strike rate of 141.67. Over the course of the tournament, she accumulated 110 runs in just 3 innings, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer. Shweta’s ability to balance her role as a captain with her aggressive batting style showcased her maturity as a cricketer and leader, cementing her place as one of the top young talents in the country.

6. Leadership qualities: A natural captain

Shweta’s leadership abilities have been evident from her early days in age-group cricket. Whether as vice-captain of the U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup-winning team or as captain of the Emerging Women’s Asia Cup-winning squad, she has consistently displayed strong leadership qualities. Shweta thrives under pressure, a trait that she developed through years of captaining her teams. Her leadership style is marked by a balance of aggression and calm decision-making, which makes her an ideal candidate to handle high-pressure situations. Her ability to lead by example both with the bat and in the field continues to earn her respect from teammates and coaches alike.

7. Idolizing Virat Kohli & Smriti Mandhana: Channeling inspiration for success

Shweta looks up to two of India’s finest cricketers, Virat Kohli and Smriti Mandhana, as her role models. From Kohli, she admires his aggressive batting and leadership, especially his ability to perform under pressure. Shweta has often mentioned that she tries to emulate Kohli’s intensity and passion on the field. Similarly, Mandhana’s calm demeanor and resilience in the face of challenges inspire Shweta to remain composed and focused. With aspirations of following in their footsteps, Shweta is determined to use the lessons she’s learned from these idols to propel her own career and achieve greatness in international cricket.

Also READ: All you need to know about Gongadi Trisha: The breakthrough star in ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2025

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.