UP Warriorz Announce Powerful Squad for WPL 2026: Full Team Breakdown
UP Warriorz head into WPL 2026 at a crossroads. After qualifying for the playoffs in the inaugural 2023 season—where they were knocked out in the Eliminator by Mumbai Indians—UPW have failed to make the playoffs in the last two editions.
The upcoming season marks a new era for the franchise, with Abhishek Nayar taking over as head coach and Meg Lanning appointed captain. While the squad shows improved balance and depth in several areas, certain concerns remain unresolved.
Strengths
Solid Openers
UP Warriorz are well stocked at the top of the order. The likely opening combination of Meg Lanning and Phoebe Litchfield provides a strong right-hand–left-hand pairing, blending experience with attacking intent.
The franchise also has multiple backup options in Kiran Navgire, Pratika Rawal (subject to fitness), and young prospect G Trisha, giving flexibility depending on form and match-ups.
Quality All-Rounders
All-rounders are vital in T20 cricket, and UP Warriorz boast one of the deepest all-rounder pools in WPL 2026. The presence of Deepti Sharma, Deandra Dottin, Chloe Tryon, Asha Sobhana, Charli Knott, and Sophie Ecclestone gives the side exceptional balance.
This depth allows UP Warriorz to:
Bat deep
Rotate bowlers effectively
Adapt combinations to conditions and opposition
Spin Bowling Unit Full of Variety
Spin is arguably UP Warriorz’s biggest strength. The squad features:
Deepti Sharma – off-spin
Asha Sobhana – leg-spin
Chloe Tryon – left-arm orthodox
Sophie Ecclestone – left-arm orthodox
Charli Knott – off-spin
If fit, Pratika Rawal adds another off-spin option. This variety gives Lanning significant tactical freedom, especially on spin-friendly Indian surfaces.
Weaknesses
Confusion Over Wicketkeeping Options
One of UP Warriorz’s biggest concerns post-auction is wicketkeeping. Shipra Giri is the only specialist wicketkeeper-batter, while Charli Knott—primarily an all-rounder—has also been listed as a wicketkeeper.
Opportunities
Meg Lanning’s Leadership and Return to Form
After leading Delhi Capitals for three seasons, Meg Lanning begins a fresh chapter with UP Warriorz. While her WPL 2025 numbers were modest (276 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 118.96), her form surged later in the year.
Women’s Hundred 2025: 287 runs in 8 innings (SR 136.66)
WBBL 2025 (Melbourne Stars): 479 runs in 11 innings
Average: 53.22
Strike rate: 136.07
3 fifties, 1 century
UP Warriorz will hope Lanning’s form and leadership set the tone for a turnaround season.
Perfect Stage for Young Players
WPL 2026 presents a major opportunity for UP Warriorz’s young Indian core. The franchise retained Shweta Sehrawat, signaling long-term faith. She, along with G Trisha and Charli Knott, will be eager to make a lasting impact.
Harleen Deol is also expected to be part of the XI and will look to cement her role after inconsistent seasons.
Threats
Too Many Batters for Similar Roles
UP Warriorz face a selection headache with several batters suited to similar top-order roles. With limited specialist middle-order options, striking the right balance could prove difficult.
Indian batters like Shweta Sehrawat and Simran Shaikh will need consistency to avoid rotation and uncertainty in the XI.
Uncertainty Over Pratika Rawal’s Availability
Pratika Rawal’s fitness remains a concern after she twisted her ankle during the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 match against Bangladesh and was ruled out of the tournament.
Her availability could significantly impact UP Warriorz’s balance, both with bat and ball.
Full Squad – UP Warriorz (WPL 2026)
Shweta Sehrawat, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Meg Lanning (C), Phoebe Litchfield, Kiran Navgire, Harleen Deol, Kranti Goud, Asha Sobhana, Deandra Dottin, Shikha Pandey, Shipra Giri (WK), Simran Shaikh, Charli Knott (WK), Chloe Tryon, Suman Meena, G Trisha, Pratika Rawal
Conclusion
UP Warriorz enter WPL 2026 with renewed hope under a new leadership group. Their strengths—particularly all-round depth and spin variety—are among the best in the league. However, unresolved questions around wicketkeeping, role clarity, and key player availability could define their campaign.
Also Read: WPL 2026: Gujarat Giants WPL 2026: Ashleigh Gardner Reveals Team’s Strongest Squad Ever
