UPW's strongest playing XI for WPL 2026 ft. Deepti Sharma

Meg Lanning will captain the UP Warriorz in the WPL 2026.

The UP Warriorz (UPW) have failed to reach the playoffs in the last two WPL seasons after finishing third in the inaugural edition and narrowly missing the final.

To revive their campaign, the franchise appointed Abhishek Nayar as their head coach for the 2026 season and made significant changes to the team at the WPL 2026 mega auction held in New Delhi on November 27.

Warriorz retained just one player before the auction and used four RTM cards to bring back Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Kiran Navgire and Kranti Gaud. They further strengthened the squad by signing stars such as former Australia captain Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield and Indian pacer Shikha Pandey.

With a revamped and balanced squad, the Warriorz look much stronger on paper. While selecting the best XI won’t be easy, UPW will be hoping this new-look team can finally break their playoff jinx. On that note, let’s take a look at the UP Warriorz’s strongest playing XI for WPL 2026.

Strongest UP Warriorz playing XI for WPL 2026-

Top Order: Meg Lanning, Kiran Navgire, Phoebe Litchfield

UP Warriorz made a major statement at the auction by securing former Delhi Capitals captain Meg Lanning for INR 1.90 crore. The Australian legend brings immense experience to the side, having scored 952 runs in WPL history at an average close to 40, which underlines her consistency and class at the top of the order.

She is set to open the innings alongside Kiran Navgire, who was retained by UPW using the Right to Match (RTM) card for INR 60 lakh. Navgire provides a contrasting yet explosive option at the top, having already scored 419 runs in the WPL at a blistering strike rate of around 140. Phoebe Litchfield, bought for INR 1.20 crore, is likely to bat at number three.

The young Australian batter has 199 WPL runs to her name and is known for her ability to steady the innings in the middle overs while accelerating when required. The combination of Lanning’s experience, Navgire’s power, and Litchfield’s composure gives UP Warriorz a strong and dynamic top order heading into WPL 2026.

Middle Order and Lower Order – Deandra Dottin, Harleen Deol, Shweta Sehrawat, Deepti Sharma

UP Warriorz struck a great deal by acquiring the explosive Deandra Dottin for INR 80 lakh. The experienced West Indies all-rounder has already made a strong impact in the WPL, scoring 142 runs in 8 matches at an impressive strike rate of 154, while also picking up 9 wickets. Her presence adds both power and balance to the UPW middle order.

Harleen Deol will also feature in the middle order for UP. She previously represented Gujarat Giants and will now be seen in UPW colours. Harleen has been a consistent performer in the league, scoring 482 runs in 20 WPL matches.

UPW had retained only one player ahead of the auction, Shweta Sehrawat, and she is expected to be part of the playing XI. The young batter has shown promise, scoring 261 runs in 23 WPL matches.

Deepti Sharma was brought back by Warriorz using the RTM card for a hefty INR 3.20 crore. The Indian all-rounder offers valuable spin bowling along with firepower in the lower order. She has scored over 500 runs in the WPL and has also taken 27 wickets, making her a key player for the team.

Bowlers – Shikha Pandey, Sophie Ecclestone, Kranti Gaud, Asha Sobhana

The bowling unit of UP looks well-balanced and experienced. It will be led by Shikha Pandey, who was acquired for a massive INR 2.40 crore.

The Indian pacer previously represented Delhi Capitals and has taken 30 wickets in 27 WPL matches, bringing both experience and control with the new ball and at the death.

Alongside her will be the world-class spin all-rounder Sophie Ecclestone, who was brought back by UPW using the RTM card for just INR 85 lakh. Known for her exceptional spin bowling, Ecclestone has been one of the most consistent performers in the league, picking up 36 wickets in 25 WPL matches.

Asha Sobhana, who made headlines with her performances for RCB and played a key role in their maiden title-winning campaign, will now be seen in UP Warriorz colours after being bought for INR 1.10 crore. The Indian leg-spinner has taken 17 wickets in 15 WPL matches and adds variety to the spin attack.

Rounding off the bowling lineup is Kranti Gaud. UPW retained her through RTM for INR 50 lakh. The young fast bowler has taken 6 wickets in 8 matches and has already shown immense potential at the top level.

UP Warriorz’s playing XI-

Meg Lanning (c), Kiran Navgire, Phoebe Litchfield (wk), Deandra Dottin, Harleen Deol, Shweta Sehrawat, Deepti Sharma, Shikha Pandey, Sophie Ecclestone, Asha Sobhana, Kranti Gaud.

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