Deepti Sharma Withdraws from The Hundred 2025: London Spirit Faces Major Changes

London Spirit Begins 2025 Season Without Key Player

The London Spirit, champions of The Hundred, will kick off their 2025 season without one of their standout players from last year's title-winning squad, Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma. Renowned for her pivotal role in the thrilling final at Lord's, Deepti has decided to sit out the upcoming season to manage her workload, a decision that resonates deeply within the franchise and the tournament overall.

Currently, Sharma is with the Indian national team in England, participating in a white-ball series. However, with the ODI World Cup approaching later this year, she has prioritized rest and recovery over franchise commitments, highlighting the increasing emphasis on player welfare in the current cricketing landscape.

A Tribute to a Modern-Day Star

On July 8, the London Spirit released a heartfelt statement honoring Deepti's significant contributions as both a match-winner and a crucial player throughout the previous season.

"Deepti will always hold a special place in Spirit's history. Her record six at Lord's last summer secured our first title in an unforgettable manner," the statement read. "She excelled with both bat and ball during the tournament and was our top player in the MVP rankings. We wish her all the best and hope to see her return in future seasons."

Deepti's absence will be felt not only by the Spirit but across the entire competition, marking the first instance in The Hundred's short history where no Indian players will participate.

Changes in the Spirit Roster for 2025

In light of Deepti's departure, the Spirit have brought back Australian all-rounder Charli Knott to fill the gap. Knott is known for her powerful hitting and precise off-spin, and her inclusion indicates a strategic shift within the team.

Additionally, there is a significant change in leadership. Regular captain Heather Knight is stepping down, with England off-spinner Charlie Dean taking over the captaincy, emerging as a promising leader in both domestic and international cricket.

Furthermore, Australian star Meg Lanning has made way for the dynamic Grace Harris, potentially adding a new level of aggression at the top of the batting order.

On the coaching front, Chris Liddle has taken over from Ashley Noffke as head coach, tasked with guiding a revamped team as they defend their championship title.

With fresh talent and a new leadership structure, the London Spirit is gearing up for the 2025 season of The Hundred, fueled by the experience of their previous success.