A new chapter begins for UP Warriorz as they take the field for their opening match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on Saturday afternoon.
With Meg Lanning stepping in as captain and Abhishek Nayar taking charge as head coach, the franchise enters the season seeking both renewal and redemption after an inconsistent previous campaign.
The appointment of Lanning, one of the most accomplished leaders in women’s cricket, signals a clear shift in direction for the Warriorz. Known for her calm authority, tactical clarity, and relentless competitiveness, Lanning brings with her a legacy built on multiple ICC titles and sustained excellence across formats. For a side that has often shown flashes of potential without sustained returns, her arrival is seen as a defining moment in the franchise’s evolution.
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Alongside Lanning, the presence of Abhishek Nayar as head coach adds a fresh layer of strategic intent. Nayar, who has steadily built a reputation as a player-focused coach with a modern outlook, has emphasized clarity of roles and freedom of expression as core pillars heading into the season. Together, the duo represents a blend of elite international experience and contemporary coaching philosophy.
The Warriorz squad for WPL 2026 reflects a conscious effort to strike balance. At its core are proven international match-winners such as Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Deandra Dottin and Harleen Deol, complemented by a group of emerging Indian players eager to establish themselves on the league’s biggest stage. This mix gives the Warriorz flexibility across conditions and situations, a factor that could prove crucial in a tightly contested tournament.
Lanning, speaking ahead of her first competitive outing as Warriorz captain, underlined the importance of building on the groundwork already laid by the franchise. “I’m really excited to lead UP Warriorz this season. There’s been a lot of hard work over the last few years, and we want to build on that. We’ve got a balanced squad with experience and young talent, and now it’s about going out there, playing our brand of cricket and enjoying it,” she said.
Her leadership will be especially significant in high-pressure moments, something the Warriorz have struggled with in previous seasons. Lanning’s ability to manage resources, read conditions, and remain composed in crunch situations could be the differentiator for a side aiming to challenge consistently rather than merely compete.
From a cricketing perspective, Deepti Sharma remains central to the Warriorz blueprint. Coming off a strong international year, the Indian all-rounder is expected to shoulder responsibility with both bat and ball. Her off-spin provides control through the middle overs, while her evolving role as a batter adds depth and stability to the line-up. In a format where all-round contributions often define success, Deepti’s form could shape the Warriorz’ campaign.
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Equally indispensable is Sophie Ecclestone, who continues to be one of the most impactful bowlers in the women’s game. Her ability to take wickets while maintaining relentless pressure has made her a cornerstone of the Warriorz attack. Supported by a varied bowling unit, Ecclestone’s spells will be key, particularly on batting-friendly surfaces like Navi Mumbai.
The inclusion of Harleen Deol strengthens the batting and fielding units, offering athleticism and adaptability in the middle order. Meanwhile, Deandra Dottin adds explosive potential and experience, capable of changing games within a few overs. Together, these players give the Warriorz multiple avenues to dictate matches rather than merely respond to opposition plans.
Head coach Abhishek Nayar highlighted the clarity and intent within the group ahead of the opener. “We wanted the best leader for this group, and Meg brings exactly that. This format is a captain’s format, and having her allows the team to play with freedom. Our focus is on creating an environment where players express themselves, enjoy their cricket, and build a legacy for this franchise,” Nayar said.
He further emphasized the competitive mindset driving the squad into WPL 2026. “It’s a fresh start for us this year. We have assembled a strong squad with contrasting skill sets that complement each other. The aim is simple play fearless cricket, stay consistent, and compete deep into the tournament.”
Saturday’s clash against Gujarat Giants offers an early opportunity to set the tone. The Giants, themselves a side undergoing transition, present a stern but manageable first test. For the Warriorz, a strong performance in the opener could provide momentum and belief, two elements that have often proved elusive in past campaigns.
As the Meg Lanning era officially begins, UP Warriorz will be hoping that leadership stability, strategic clarity, and a balanced squad finally translate into sustained success. The journey starts in Navi Mumbai, but the ambitions clearly stretch much further.
