WPL 2026: UP Warriorz name THIS World Cup-winning captain as their new skipper

UP Warriorz had a great time in WPL 2026 mega auction, where they picked some big players.

UP Warriorz have named former Australian all-rounder Meg Lanning as the new captain for Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026. She was the captain of Delhi Capitals (DC) Women in the previous edition; however, the franchise parted ways with her ahead of WPL 2026 mega auction. Later, they named Jemimah Rodrigues as the new captain for the next season.

Lanning did a marvellous job as DC Women’s captain in the last three editions. She led the side to the finals in each season, however, could not drive the team to the title as DC Women ended as runners-up. Now, she is all set to captain a new side in WPL 2026.

UP Warriorz captured Lanning for INR 1.90 crore during WPL 2026 auction, which took place in Delhi in November 2025. They also picked Deepti Sharma for INR 3.20 crore, who was their costliest player in the auction.

Earlier, there were reports that Sharma might be appointed as their captain for the tournament; however, the franchise has gone ahead with a foreign skipper.

UP Warriorz were led by Deepti Sharma last season

Last season, Australia’s Alyssa Healy, who was the captain of UP Warriorz, was injured and ruled out ahead of the tournament. Later, UP named Indian all-rounder Deepti as the captain of the side.

However, UP were the worst performers last season, finishing in the last spot in the points table. They won just three games and lost five out of eight, failing to make it to the playoffs.

After their dismal show, UP Warriorz released all players from their squad except for Shweta Sehrawat, aiming for a fresh journey in the next season. Notably, the franchise have also named Abhishek Nayar as the new head coach for WPL 2026.

Meanwhile, WPL 2026 will commence on January 9 with the opening game between Mumbai Indians (MI) Women and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Women. UP Warriorz aim for their maiden title in the tournament.

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