UP Warriorz have officially named Australian legend Meg Lanning as their new captain for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026. Acquired for INR 1.9 crore at the recent auction, Lanning arrives with an unparalleled resume, including a record seven World Cup titles, two in the ODI format and five in T20Is. Her appointment is a clear statement of intent from the franchise, aiming to inject a championship-winning pedigree into the squad.
Meg Lanning becomes UP Warriorz captain
The move signals a major leadership shift for the team following a period of instability. While Alyssa Healy was the original choice for the captaincy, a persistent injury forced her to step down, leaving the veteran Deepti Sharma to navigate the side through a series of inconsistent results. By bringing in the seven-time World Cup champion Lanning, the Warriorz are looking to move past those availability hurdles and establish a more permanent and seasoned figurehead at the helm.
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As the franchise prepares for this new chapter, the decision to appoint Lanning highlights a strategic focus on experience and tactical composure. The Warriorz management believes her legendary leadership will provide the necessary stability to unite their roster of international icons and emerging Indian stars, positioning the team as a much more formidable contender for the 2026 title.
Beyond her leadership, Meg Lanning has been a pillar of consistency in the WPL since the league's inaugural season. With 952 runs across 27 appearances, she has proven to be a dominant force at the top of the order. Her reputation is built on an elite ability to navigate high-pressure moments, dictate the scoring rate during the powerplay, and serve as a reliable anchor during difficult run chases, making her one of the most feared batters in the competition.
I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead: Meg Lanning
Upon being named captain, Lanning expressed that it is a distinct honor to lead the UP Warriorz. She noted her excitement about joining a new group and conveyed her eagerness to work with the team's blend of young talent and experienced internationals to help the franchise achieve its championship ambitions in 2026.
“As the WPL enters its fourth season, it’s been incredible to see how the league has evolved — the quality of cricket, competitiveness and emergence of exciting new talent continue to raise the standard each year. This is a talented group with a strong mix of international experience and Indian players, and I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead,” she said in a statement.
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Having secured a playoff spot only once across the first three seasons, the UP Warriorz are viewing Meg Lanning’s appointment as a turning point for the franchise. The team is hopeful that her arrival will bring the tactical discipline and consistency needed to move past their previous struggles.