Meg Lanning has been named captain of the UP Warriorz for the upcoming Women’s Premier League, a surprise move that hands the Australian star the leadership reins from Deepti Sharma. The 33‑year‑old Lanning arrives with a decorated international resume and a strong WPL record, while Deepti — retained for INR 3.2 crore at the auction — will continue as a marquee all‑rounder for the franchise.
Lanning steps in with big ambitions
After three seasons with the Delhi Capitals in which she led the side to all three WPL finals, Lanning arrives at UP Warriorz determined to go one better. Despite reaching finals twice against the Mumbai Indians and once against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi fell short on each occasion. Lanning’s move to UP represents a fresh start and a chance to convert her finals experience into the winner’s medal that has eluded her in this tournament.
Why the change matters
Deepti Sharma has been a cornerstone for UP Warriorz since the league began, contributing heavily with both bat and ball. Moving Deepti into a marquee role gives the team flexibility: they keep her match‑winning skills without the added burden of captaincy. For Lanning, the switch offers an opportunity to craft a new leadership approach and build a title‑challenging unit quickly.
Quick look — what each brings
- Meg Lanning: A proven leader with international trophies to her name and a superb WPL record; brings experience, calm under pressure and top‑order runs.
- Deepti Sharma: A true all‑rounder for UP — 507 runs and 27 wickets across three seasons, and a standout performer in 2025 who earned Player of the Tournament honours for India in the World Cup.
- Coaching: Abhishek Nayar will continue as head coach for the Warriorz. He is also set to take on the head coach role at KKR for IPL 2026.
Lanning’s WPL record and leadership pedigree
Lanning has been one of the most consistent batters in the WPL. She has scored 952 runs at an average just under 40, with a highest score of 92 against the Gujarat Giants and nine half‑centuries to her name. Beyond the numbers, she brings a decorated leadership résumé at international level, which the UP camp will be hoping translates into better knockout results.
Deepti’s role and recent form
Deepti’s return to UP was a headline at the auction, and her 2025 form — impactful with both bat and ball — underlines why the franchise was keen to keep her. With captaincy duties handed over, Deepti can concentrate on match situations where her off‑spin and middle‑order hitting can turn games around. Her experience with the team since inception also provides continuity in the dressing room.
UP Warriorz’s outlook for WPL 2026
UP Warriorz open their WPL 2026 campaign on January 10 against the Gujarat Giants at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. The fourth edition of the WPL begins on January 9 and runs through a 22‑match schedule, with the final set for February 5 at BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara.
With Lanning’s leadership, Deepti’s all‑round firepower and Abhishek Nayar’s coaching, UP will aim to blend experience and balance across the squad. Key questions to watch: how quickly will the new captaincy settle, which players will step up in pressure games, and whether UP can finally convert promise into a title.
What fans should watch
- Lanning’s approach to captaincy and how she leads the batting unit.
- Deepti’s role as a match‑winner when freed from captaincy duties.
- Team combinations and how Coach Nayar balances overseas stars with the Indian core.
- Key early fixtures — a strong start could set the tone for UP’s season.
Expect plenty of excitement when the WPL returns in January — and with this captaincy shake‑up, UP Warriorz will certainly be one of the teams to watch.