WPL 2026: UP Warriorz’s best playing XI for Women’s Premier League

UP Warriorz (UPW) is ready to turn the page after a challenging 2025 season. Following a strategic reboot during the November 2025 Mega Auction, the franchise has emerged with a new leader, a powerhouse batting lineup, and a coaching staff led by the innovative Abhishek Nayar.

With a purse of INR 14.5 crore, the Warriorz were the most influential team in the auction room, securing legendary Australian captain Meg Lanning and bringing back their core through Right-to-Match (RTM) cards. As they prepare for their opener against Gujarat Giants on January 10, the Purple and Yellow army looks like a formidable title contender.

UP Warriorz Best Playing XI for WPL 2026

1. Meg Lanning (Captain – Overseas): The legendary ‘Megastar’ moves from Delhi to lead UPW. With 952 WPL runs and a record-breaking trophy cabinet, her leadership is the missing piece for a franchise seeking its first title. She will anchor the innings while providing tactical brilliance on the field.
2. Shweta Sehrawat: The only player retained before the auction, Sehrawat is the future of the franchise. After showing glimpses of her grit in 2025, she is expected to partner Lanning at the top, offering a mix of youth and stability.
3. Phoebe Litchfield (Overseas – AUS): Signed for INR 1.2 crore, the stylish left-hander adds explosive intent to the top order. Currently one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket, her ability to find gaps and manipulate fields makes her the perfect Number 3.
4. Kiran Navgire: The “six-hitting queen” was brought back via RTM for INR 60 Lakh. Coming off a record-breaking 34-ball century in domestic T20s, Navgire is the designated “Impact Player” in the middle order who can take the game away from the opposition in a matter of overs.
5. Deandra Dottin (Overseas – WI): The “Universe Boss” of women’s cricket joins for INR 80 Lakh. Dottin provides raw power in the finishing overs and a vital fourth seam-bowling option, filling the role of a genuine match-winner.
6. Deepti Sharma (Vice-Captain): The most expensive signing for UPW at INR 3.2 crore (RTM). Fresh off being named Player of the Tournament at the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, Deepti is the world’s premier all-rounder. Her 4 overs of off-spin and her ability to anchor or finish make her the heartbeat of this XI.
7. Harleen Deol: A tactical acquisition at INR 50 Lakh, Harleen provides middle-order depth and exceptional fielding. Her ability to play spin well will be crucial on the turning tracks of Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.
8. Sophie Ecclestone (Overseas – ENG): The world’s No. 1 spinner returns for INR 85 Lakh (RTM). Ecclestone is the ultimate “cheat code” in the WPL, capable of choking runs in the middle overs and providing handy lower-order cameos with the bat.
9. Shikha Pandey: In a massive move, UPW spent INR 2.4 crore to secure the veteran Indian seamer. Her experience and ability to swing the new ball provide the leadership the pace attack desperately needed.
10. Asha Sobhana: The leg-spin sensation was signed for INR 1.1 crore. Her wicket-taking ability in the middle overs makes her the perfect partner for Ecclestone and Deepti, forming perhaps the deadliest spin trio in the league.
11. Kranti Gaud: Re-signed for INR 50 Lakh (RTM), the young domestic pacer will share the new ball duties with Shikha Pandey. Her raw pace and recent domestic form have made her one of the most talked-about Indian prospects.

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Tactical Breakdown

• The Lanning Leadership: Replacing Alyssa Healy, Lanning brings a “win-at-all-costs” mentality. Her partnership with head coach Abhishek Nayar is designed to fix the tactical inconsistencies that plagued the team in 2025.
• The “Spin Choke”: With Ecclestone, Deepti, and Asha Sobhana, UPW can field 12 overs of world-class spin. On the dry, late-season tracks in Vadodara, this will be their primary weapon to defend any total.
• The Pace Concern: While Shikha Pandey brings experience, the seam department is relatively thin. The team will rely heavily on Deandra Dottin to chip in with her medium pace to support the frontline duo.
• Power Finishing: In Navgire and Dottin, UPW possesses two of the cleanest ball-strikers in the game. Their role is to ensure that the platform built by Lanning and Litchfield is converted into 180+ scores.

Impact Player Options

• Pratika Rawal: A versatile batter and off-break bowler who can step in if the top order needs more stability.
• Chloe Tryon: A world-class overseas backup. If the pitch is a “dustbowl,” she could replace Dottin or Litchfield to provide extra spin and power-hitting.
• Charli Knott: The late replacement for Tara Norris, Knott is a dynamic young Australian all-rounder who provides a high-energy option on the field.

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