Meg Lanning Ready to Lead UP Warriorz in Upcoming WPL Season
Lanning's Leadership Ahead of WPL
Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 5: As the Women’s Premier League (WPL) gears up to kick off 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 while also adding her unique approach to leadership.
Lanning, a celebrated figure in Australian cricket with multiple World Cup victories, was officially introduced as the franchise's captain on Sunday. In a media session held in Navi Mumbai, she and coach Abhishek Nayar discussed their strategies for the upcoming tournament.
Reflecting on her previous experience as captain of the Delhi Capitals, Lanning noted the valuable lessons she gained during her three-year tenure. She emphasized the importance of understanding the dynamics of a new team.
“I’ve learned a lot from my time with Delhi. Joining a new franchise means getting accustomed to how things function and how individuals operate. My focus in the initial days has been on familiarizing myself with everyone,” she stated.
“I’m finding it a bit challenging to remember all the names, but I’m also keen on understanding each player’s role and how I can contribute without micromanaging. It’s crucial to empower others to perform their tasks effectively,” she added.
Lanning praised Deepti Sharma, the all-rounder who was named 'Player of the Tournament' in both the 2025 Women’s World Cup and the 2024 WPL, highlighting her significant impact on the game and her continuous improvement.
“Deepti has always been an exceptional player, and her determination to enhance her skills is vital at this level. She’s been with the franchise since its inception, making her a key figure both on and off the field. I look forward to collaborating with her again, as I have in the past,” Lanning remarked.
With promising young talents like pacer Kranti Gaud and batters Pratika Rawal and G Trisha in the squad, Lanning is impressed by the emerging depth of Indian cricket talent and how the WPL has provided them with crucial high-pressure experiences.
“The depth of Indian players who can contribute and secure victories for their teams is remarkable. Initially, the tournament relied heavily on international players, but now we see contributions from various individuals, which is encouraging,” she noted.
“The WPL has also exposed more players to high-pressure situations, which is beneficial. With increased media attention, players are adapting and thriving under these conditions,” she concluded.
Under Lanning’s captaincy, the Delhi Capitals reached the finals in all three seasons but unfortunately did not secure a championship, losing to MI and RCB in previous matches.
As the third-highest run-scorer in WPL history with 952 runs in 27 matches, Lanning boasts an impressive average of 39.66 and a strike rate exceeding 127, including nine fifties and a top score of 92. With 17 international centuries and over 8,300 runs, she is regarded as one of the greatest batters in history.
Having won five ICC Women’s T20 World Cup titles and two ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup trophies, Lanning announced her retirement from international cricket last year at the age of 31.
The UP Warriorz, who finished last in the previous season with only three wins from eight matches, will commence their campaign against the Gujarat Giants on January 10.