UP Warriorz Strengthen Squad Ahead of WPL 2026 with Key Signings
UP Warriorz's Strategic Moves in WPL Auction
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], November 28: Abhishek Nayar, the head coach of UP Warriorz, expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction. He highlighted the importance of retaining key players such as all-rounder Deepti Sharma, spinner Sophie Ecclestone, batter Kiran Navgire, and pacer Kranti Gaud, stating that this ensures a strong foundation for the team. Nayar emphasized that the newly acquired players are adept at handling pressure and embody the competitive spirit the franchise aims to promote.
Owned by Capri Sports, the UP Warriorz made significant strides in rebuilding their squad during the WPL Auction held in New Delhi. A standout moment was the acquisition of former Australian captain Meg Lanning, who has a history of leading her previous team, Delhi Capitals, to the finals.
Under Nayar's guidance, the Warriorz also welcomed talented players like the dynamic Phoebe Litchfield, the MVP of WPL Season 2, and Deepti Sharma, who recently contributed to India's ICC ODI World Cup victory. Additionally, they secured England's Sophie Ecclestone, renowned for her exceptional spin bowling. Other notable signings include Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, and Kranti Gaud, all of whom were part of India's World Cup-winning squad.
Nayar remarked, “This auction has provided us with the exact squad we envisioned. Retaining Deepti, Sophie, Kiran, and Kranti ensures continuity in our core, while adding leaders like Meg and young talents such as Phoebe and Pratika gives us a well-rounded team. These players are capable of performing under pressure and reflect the fearless cricket we aspire to represent.”
Meg Lanning, a seven-time World Cup champion, brings not only her leadership skills but also her prowess as an opening batter, having been acquired for Rs 1.90 Crore. Her recent form in white-ball cricket has been impressive, further enhancing her value to the team.
Deepti Sharma, the franchise's standout player with 507 runs and 27 wickets in 25 matches, was retained for Rs 3.2 crore through the Right-to-Match option. She played a pivotal role in India's recent World Cup triumph and was named Player of the Tournament, making her a crucial asset for the Warriorz. Deepti also topped the wicket-takers list at the Women’s World Cup 2025 with 22 wickets.
To bolster their spin department, UP Warriorz used their second Right-to-Match to retain Sophie Ecclestone for Rs 85 lakh, ensuring a reliable bowling lineup.
The team also signed Australia’s promising talent Phoebe Litchfield for Rs 1.20 crore, known for her aggressive batting style. Additionally, West Indies' Deandra Dottin joined for Rs 80 lakh, recognized for her explosive hitting and impressive bowling record.
World Cup winner Harleen Deol was acquired for Rs 50 lakh, bringing her solid batting average and exceptional fielding skills to the team. The Warriorz also retained pacer Kranti Gaud for Rs 50 lakh, who has made a name for herself with her accurate yorkers and impressive performances.
Kiran Navgire was brought back for Rs 60 lakh, known for her powerful striking ability and versatility in the batting order.
Indian pacer Shikha Pandey, who has experience in franchise cricket beyond the WPL, will also don the UP Warriorz colors. She was a hot commodity during the auction, becoming the third most expensive buy of the day after a competitive bidding war with RCB.
Lastly, the franchise added leg-spinner Asha Sobhana for Rs 1.1 crore, a proven wicket-taker with a strong track record in the WPL.
With these strategic signings, UP Warriorz is set to enter WPL 2026 with a renewed focus and a well-balanced squad that combines experience, youth, and exceptional leadership.
Squad: Deepti Sharma, Shikha Pandey, Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield, Asha Sobhana, Sophie Ecclestone, Deandra Dottin, Kiran Navgire, Harleen Deol, Kranti Gaud, Pratika Rawal, Shweta Sehrawat, CL Tryon, SL Meena, TG Norris, Trisha Gongadi, SR Giri, Simran Shaikh.