Meg Lanning Takes Over as UP Warriorz Captain for WPL 2026
In a significant leadership move ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, UP Warriorz have appointed Australia legend Meg Lanning as their new captain, replacing Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma. The decision comes just weeks before the start of the tournament, which is scheduled to run from 9 January to 5 February 2026.
The franchise management believes Lanning’s vast international experience and proven leadership credentials will strengthen UP Warriorz’ title ambitions as they look to make a deep run in the upcoming season.
Why UP Warriorz Chose Meg Lanning
Meg Lanning is widely regarded as one of the greatest leaders in women’s cricket history. Having captained Australia to multiple ICC titles, her appointment signals UP Warriorz’ intent to bring stability, tactical clarity, and championship mindset into the squad.
Key reasons behind the decision:
- Elite leadership pedigree with global success
- Calm decision-making under pressure
- Strong tactical awareness in T20 cricket
- Ability to mentor young Indian talents in the squad
While Deepti Sharma led the side with commitment, the franchise opted for a seasoned international captain to elevate performance during crunch moments.
What This Means for Deepti Sharma
Deepti Sharma will continue to play a crucial role as a senior all-rounder and leader within the group. Free from captaincy duties, she is expected to focus on her strengths with bat and ball, which could further benefit the team’s balance.
Deepti remains one of the most valuable players in WPL history, known for:
- Middle-overs control with off-spin
- Reliable lower-middle-order batting
- Sharp fielding and match awareness
The leadership transition is being positioned as a strategic change rather than a demotion.
Meg Lanning’s Leadership Record (Key Stats)
Captaincy Achievements
- Former Australia Women’s captain
- Led Australia to:
- 2 ODI World Cup titles
- 5 T20 World Cup titles
- Commonwealth Games Gold (2022)
- One of the most successful captains in women’s cricket history
Career Batting Stats (T20s)
- Matches: 300+ (international & league T20s)
- Runs: 9,000+
- Average: 36+
- Strike Rate: 115+
- Known for consistency at the top of the order
Her presence as captain also boosts UP Warriorz’ brand value and global appeal.
UP Warriorz Strategy for WPL 2026
With Meg Lanning at the helm, UP Warriorz are expected to:
- Stabilize the top order
- Improve death-over execution
- Strengthen on-field tactical calls
- Handle high-pressure games more efficiently
The franchise has struggled with consistency in previous seasons, and this leadership change could be the turning point.
WPL 2026 Tournament Details
- Tournament: Women’s Premier League 2026
- Start Date: 9 January 2026
- Final: 5 February 2026
- Teams: 5 franchises
- Format: Double round-robin + playoffs
WPL 2026 is expected to be the most competitive edition yet, with franchises making bold leadership and squad decisions.
Fan & Expert Reactions
Cricket experts have largely welcomed the decision, calling it a “title-winning move”. Fans believe Lanning’s captaincy could unlock the full potential of the UP Warriorz squad, especially in knockout matches.
Conclusion
The appointment of Meg Lanning as UP Warriorz captain for WPL 2026 marks a new chapter for the franchise. With the tournament set to begin on 9 January, all eyes will be on how this leadership shift translates on the field. If history is any indication, UP Warriorz may finally have the calm, experienced leader needed to challenge for the WPL trophy.
