Lucknow, January 5, 2026 – As the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 season approaches, the UP Warriorz are gearing up with a blend of strategic partnerships, a revamped squad, and a clear vision for the future. Head Coach Abhishek Nayar has expressed his ambition to mold a player within the team who can emulate the success and versatility of Indian cricketer KL Rahul.
Nayar's statement reflects the team's focus on nurturing talent and creating impactful players who can represent India on the international stage. "That's how KL Rahul became a KL Rahul. So hopefully we can form a women KL Rahul who then represents India in the future. But I think that's one area that we're working towards," Nayar stated, emphasizing the team's commitment to developing well-rounded cricketers.
The UP Warriorz have been actively strengthening their team, strategically utilizing the auction to secure experienced performers and promising Indian talents. The franchise notably used their Right-to-Match (RTM) cards to bring back key players like Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Kranti Gaud, and Kiran Navgire, ensuring the continuity of their core squad. Additionally, they've added players such as Harleen Deol, Deandra Dottin, Phoebe Litchfield, and Meg Lanning to bolster their ranks.
Meg Lanning, the former Australian skipper, has been appointed as the captain of the UP Warriorz, replacing Deepti Sharma. The coaching group believes that Lanning's calm approach, strategic clarity, and ability to handle pressure situations make her an ideal leader for the team. Nayar highlighted Lanning's composure and communication skills as vital assets, stating that she "doesn't just lead teams — she absorbs pressure so others can play freely". Lanning herself has acknowledged the importance of experienced players like Deepti Sharma and Sophie Ecclestone in the team and is looking forward to leaning on them in her new role.
The team's auction strategy focused on securing experienced players and quality Indian talent. Nayar emphasized that the team sought players with experience and aimed to include as many good Indian players as possible. The franchise retained Shweta Sehrawat ahead of the auction and secured Deepti Sharma and Sophie Ecclestone using the RTM card. Meg Lanning was acquired for INR 1.9 crore, and Phoebe Litchfield joined the squad for INR 1.20 crore.
Off the field, the UP Warriorz have been proactive in strengthening their commercial portfolio. They have onboarded Care Health Insurance as an official partner, focusing on themes of confidence, protection, and holistic well-being. EaseMyTrip has also continued its partnership as a principal partner for the fourth consecutive season, supporting the team's travel and logistics. Furthermore, a new partnership with Ekaya Banaras aims to deepen the franchise's cultural positioning, drawing inspiration from Banaras' heritage and blending it with contemporary sport.
As the WPL 2026 season draws closer, the UP Warriorz are focused on creating a cohesive unit and playing good cricket. With a blend of experienced players, promising talents, strategic partnerships, and a clear vision, the team is well-prepared to make a strong impact in the upcoming season.
