Who is the New Captain of UP Warriorz? Meet Meg Lanning, the Cricketing Sensation!
Meg Lanning Takes Charge as UP Warriorz Captain
New Delhi: Meg Lanning, the captain of the Australian women's cricket team, has been named the new leader of UP Warriorz (UPW) for the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) season, as announced on the franchise's social media on Sunday.
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Lanning will succeed Deepti Sharma, who captained UPW during the previous season when the regular captain, Alyssa Healy, was unavailable.
Expressing her excitement, Meg stated, “It’s a true privilege to lead the UP Warriorz. Witnessing the growth of the WPL over the years has been remarkable. The level of cricket, competitiveness, and the rise of new talents continue to elevate the game.”
She added, “This squad is filled with talent, blending international experience with local players, and I eagerly anticipate the challenges ahead. We will strive hard to seize every chance to win the trophy.”
At 33, Lanning is celebrated as one of the most accomplished captains in women's cricket, having led Australia to five World Cup victories in both formats and a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. She joined UPW for ₹1.9 crore during last year's mega auction after not being retained by Delhi Capitals.
Abhishek Nayar, the head coach of UPW, remarked, “Meg offers a unique blend of experience, clarity, and composure that distinguishes her as a leader. Her game understanding, ability to handle pressure, and rapport with players make her the perfect captain for our team.”
In her previous WPL tenure, Lanning guided Delhi Capitals to the finals in all three seasons, finishing as runners-up in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Notably, she clinched the Orange Cap in 2023 while forming a formidable opening partnership with Indian opener Shafali Verma.
Kshemal Waingankar, COO of UP Warriorz, stated, “Meg Lanning’s leadership is a pivotal advancement for UP Warriorz as we aim to strengthen our competitive edge. Her proven track record and consistency at the highest level align seamlessly with our aspirations for the team.”
Throughout her WPL career, Lanning has participated in 27 matches, amassing 952 runs at a strike rate of 127.10, including nine half-centuries. UPW, still in pursuit of their first WPL title, will kick off their 2026 season against Gujarat Giants at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 10.