Meg Lanning Ready to Lead UP Warriorz in WPL 2024
Lanning's Leadership Ahead of WPL
As the Women's Premier League (WPL) gears up to commence on January 9, UP Warriorz captain Meg Lanning has expressed her intention to rely on key players like Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma and England spinner Sophie Ecclestone for guidance. Lanning, a celebrated figure in women's cricket with multiple World Cup victories, was officially introduced as the franchise's captain on Sunday. In a media session held in Navi Mumbai, Lanning, alongside coach Abhishek Nayar, shared her insights.
Insights from Her Time with Delhi Capitals
During her interaction with the media, Lanning reflected on her three-year experience as captain of the Delhi Capitals, stating, "I gained significant insights during my time there. Transitioning to a new franchise means understanding its dynamics and the individuals involved. My focus in the initial days has been to familiarize myself with everyone."
She added, "I find it challenging to remember all the names, but I am keen on grasping each player's role and how I can contribute without micromanaging. It's essential to empower others to perform their tasks while incorporating diverse perspectives."
Support from Key Players
Lanning praised Deepti Sharma, highlighting her achievements as a 'Player of the Tournament' in both the 2025 Women's World Cup and the 2024 WPL. She remarked, "Deepti's commitment to continuous improvement is vital at this level. Her presence is crucial both on and off the field, and I look forward to collaborating with her again. I will also seek guidance from Sophie Ecclestone, who has extensive experience, to help navigate our strategy moving forward."
WPL's Role in Nurturing Indian Talent
The UP Warriorz roster includes promising young talents like pacer Kranti Gaud and batters Pratika Rawal and G Trisha. Lanning noted the significant impact of the WPL in showcasing Indian talent, stating, "The depth of Indian players contributing to their teams is remarkable. Initially, the tournament relied heavily on international players, but now we see contributions from various individuals, which is encouraging."
She emphasized the importance of exposing players to high-pressure scenarios, saying, "The WPL has increased media attention, allowing players to adapt and excel under pressure. This trend has been evident throughout the tournament's history."
Lanning's Record and Future Aspirations
Under Lanning's captaincy, the Delhi Capitals reached the finals in all three seasons but did not secure a championship title. She is the third-highest run-scorer in WPL history, amassing 952 runs in 27 matches with an average of 39.66 and a strike rate exceeding 127.
With a remarkable international career featuring 17 centuries and over 8,300 runs, Lanning is regarded as one of the greatest batters. She has won five ICC Women's T20 World Cups and two ICC Women's Cricket World Cups, six of which she captained. Lanning announced her retirement from international cricket in 2023 at the age of 31.
The UP Warriorz, who finished last in the previous season with only three wins, will kick off their campaign against the Gujarat Giants on January 10.