UP Warriors (UPW) Ready to turn the page after the challenge Women’s Premier League 2025 season. Following a strategic reboot during the November 2025 mega auction, the franchise has emerged with a new leader, a powerhouse batting lineup and a coaching staff led by the innovative Abhishek Nair.
With a purse of Rs 14.5 crore, the Warriors were the most impressive team in the auction room, securing the legendary Australian captain. meg lanning And their origins are being brought back through Right-to-Match (RTM) cards. As they prepare for their first match against Gujarat Giants on January 10, the Purple and Yellow Army look to be a strong title contender.
UP Warriors’ Best Playing XI for WPL 2026
- Meg Lanning (Captain-Foreigner): The legendary ‘Megastar’ moved from Delhi to lead UPW. With 952 WPL runs and a record-breaking trophy cabinet, his leadership is the missing piece for a franchise in search of its first title. She will open the innings while providing tactical brilliance on the field.
- Shweta Sehrawat, The only player retained ahead of the auction is Sehrawat, the future of the franchise. After showing flashes of his patience in 2025, he is expected to partner Lanning at the top, offering a mix of youth and stability.
- Phoebe Litchfield (expat-Australian): Contracted for Rs 1.2 crore, this stylish left-handed batsman adds explosive intent to the top order. One of the most exciting young talents in world cricket currently, his ability to find gaps and manipulate the field makes him an ideal No. 3.
- Kiran Navgire: The “Sixer Hitting Queen” was brought back for Rs 60 lakh through RTM. Having scored a record-breaking century off 34 balls in domestic T20s, the newcomer is the designated “impact player” in the middle order who can take the game away from the opposition in terms of overs.
- Deandra Dottin (Overseas-West Indies): The “Universe Boss” of women’s cricket joined for Rs 80 lakh. Dottin offers raw power in the final overs and an important fourth seam-bowling option, playing a real match-winner.
- Deepti Sharma (Vice-Captain): Most expensive signing for UPW at Rs 3.2 crore (RTM). After being named Player of the Tournament in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, Deepti is the world’s leading all-rounder. His 4 overs of spin and his ability to anchor or finish make him the heartbeat of this XI.
- Harleen Deol: A strategic acquisition for Rs 50 lakh, Harleen provides middle-order depth and exceptional fielding. His ability to play spin well will be crucial on the turning tracks of Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.
- Sophie Ecclestone (Foreign – England): The world No. 1 spinner returned for Rs 85 lakh (RTM). Ecclestone is the ultimate “cheat code” in the WPL, capable of stopping runs in the middle overs and providing useful cameos lower down the order with the bat.
- Shikha Pandey: In a big move, UPW spent Rs 2.4 crore to secure the experienced Indian seamer. His experience and ability to swing the new ball provides the leadership with a much-needed pace attack.
- Asha Shobhana: The leg-spin sensation was signed for Rs 1.1 crore. His ability to take wickets in the middle overs makes him an ideal partner for Ecclestone and Deepti, perhaps the most lethal spin trio in the league.
- Kranti Gaur: Re-signed for Rs 50 lakh (RTM), the young domestic pacer will share the responsibility with the new ball with Shikha Pandey. His raw pace and recent domestic form has made him one of the most talked-about Indian prospects.
Also read: Aakash Chopra predicts the winner and Orange Cap holder for the WPL 2026 edition
strategic breakdown
- Lanning leadership: Replacing Alyssa Healy, Lanning brings a “win at all costs” mentality. His partnership with head coach Abhishek Nair is designed to fix the tactical inconsistencies that plagued the team in 2025.
- “Spin Choke”: With Ecclestone, Deepti and Asha Sobhana, UPW can bowl 12 overs of world-class spin. On the dry, late season track at Vadodara, this will be their primary weapon to defend any total.
- Speed ​​Concerns: While Shikha Pandey brings experience, the seam department is relatively thin. The team will rely heavily on Deandra Dottin with her medium pace to support the frontline pair.
- Power Finishing: In Nwagire and Dottin, UPW has two of the cleanest ball-strikers in the game. His role is to ensure that the platform built by Lanning and Litchfield is converted into 180+ scores.
impact player option
- Pratika Rawal: A versatile batsman and off-break bowler who can step in when the top order needs more stability.
- Chloe Tryon: A world class exotic backup. If the pitch is “Dust Bowl”, he may replace Dottin or Litchfield to provide additional spin and power-hitting.
- Charlie Knott: A late replacement for Tara Norris, Knott is a dynamic young Australian all-rounder who provides a high-energy option on the field.
Also read: WPL 2026: RCB’s best playing eleven for Women’s Premier League
This article was first published here WomenCricket.comA Cricket Times Company.
