Deepti Sharma pulls out of The Hundred citing workload management

Deepti Sharma has pulled out of The Hundred 2025 citing workload management. She will be replaced by Australia's Charli Knott in the London Spirit squad.

Deepti, who took Spirit over the line in the title clash of the 2024 edition, is currently in England for India's ongoing white-ball series against England. She has taken the decision to withdraw given a packed international calendar leading up to the home ODI World Cup in September-November. India will host reigning champions Australia for a three-match preparatory series in early September ahead of the World Cup.

"Deepti will always have a special place in Spirit history, having produced the team's most iconic moment when she struck the ball over long-on for six to secure our first The Hundred title last summer," the franchise said in a statement. "She starred with bat and ball throughout the tournament, and was the highest-ranked Spirit player in the MVP standings – we hope to be able to welcome her back to Lord's in future years."

Knott, 22, comes on board with 59-match experience for Brisbane Heat in the Women's Big Bash League. She represented the Southern Brave franchise in The Hundred last year. Knott will become the third Australian on-board the Spirit roster this year with Grace Harris and Georgia Redmayne already in their ranks.

"I can't wait to take the field with the London Spirit this year," Knott said. "Having experienced the excitement The Hundred has to offer during my short stint last year, I am very much looking forward to playing again this year. It will be a great opportunity to play with and against the best cricketers in the world at the Home of Cricket."