Champions London Spirit will start their 2025 campaign in The Hundred without one of their all-time key players from last year’s title triumph – Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma. The hero of last year’s thrilling final at Lord’s, Deepti has chosen not to play in the next season in order to balance her workload, a move that’s been keenly felt throughout the franchise and the tournament as a whole.
Sharma, the man who clinched Spirit’s inaugural title in such a dramatic straight six, is with the Indian team on tour in England playing the white-ball series. But with the ODI World Cup at home later this year, the all-rounder has opted for rest and rejuvenation over franchise cricket – a testament to the growing focus on player well-being in today’s demanding calendar.
Spirit Pay Tribute to a Modern-Day Matchwinner
In an official statement released on July 8, London Spirit paid glowing tribute to Deepti’s contribution, both as a match-winner and as a vital presence throughout last season’s campaign.
“Deepti will always be a very special part of Spirit’s history. Her record six at Lord’s last summer wrapped up our first title in unforgettable fashion,” the statement went on. “She performed with bat and ball throughout the tournament and was our leading player in the MVP list. We wish her all the very best and hope to see her back in future seasons.”
Deepti’s absence will be felt not just by Spirit but across the competition, marking the first time in The Hundred’s brief history that no Indian players will feature in the tournament.
Charli Knott Steps In, Spirit Make Key Changes for 2025
With Deepti eliminated, Spirit have opted to recall Australian all-rounder Charli Knott in her place. Knott is a force who combines power-hitting with accurate off-spin, and her addition speaks of a reorganization in the team that is dictated by both need and strategic rejuvenation.
Another significant change is in the leadership sector. Off-hurt regular captain Heather Knight is out, leaving the control in the hands of England off-spinner Charlie Dean, who is rising as a potential leader on the domestic and international front.
In the meanwhile, Australian icon Meg Lanning also made way in the team, giving way to explosive Grace Harris – a change that may introduce a new dimension of fire power at the top of the order.
Off the pitch, Spirit have started anew in the coaching division as well. Chris Liddle replaces Ashley Noffke as head coach, who is charged with helping to rebuild a revamped roster in defense of their championship.
Fresh faces and a new leadership group see London Spirit approach the 2025 season of The Hundred with much change but with the experience of last summer’s success still driving their fire.
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