Former Delhi Capitals skipper and Australian great Meg Lanning has been appointed as the new captain of UP Warriorz ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season.
The experienced leader replaces Deepti Sharma, who captained the side last season in the absence of injured regular skipper Alyssa Healy.
The move brings proven leadership and stability to the UP Warriorz, a franchise still in search of its maiden WPL title.
Lanning is widely regarded as one of the most successful captains in women’s cricket, and her appointment is seen as a major boost ahead of the league’s fourth season.
Bought for ₹1.90 Crore in WPL 2026 Mega Auction
Meg Lanning was bought by UP Warriorz for ₹1.90 crore at the WPL 2026 mega auction.
She was released by the Delhi Capitals, who had earlier enjoyed significant success under her leadership and attempted to buy her back during the auction. However, UP Warriorz emerged victorious in the bidding war.
Under Lanning’s captaincy, Delhi Capitals reached the WPL finals on three consecutive occasions.
Although they fell short of lifting the trophy, losing twice to the Mumbai Indians and once to the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Lanning’s leadership and consistency made her one of the league’s standout figures.
Lanning’s WPL Record and Batting Impact
Meg Lanning has been among the most reliable batters in WPL history. She has scored 952 runs in 27 matches, making her the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament so far.
Her calm presence at the top of the order and ability to perform under pressure add significant value to the Warriorz lineup.
UP Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar praised her appointment, highlighting her composure and tactical awareness.
He described Lanning as a leader who brings “clarity, calmness, and a deep understanding of the game,” qualities that make her an ideal fit for the franchise.
Legendary International Career
Meg Lanning retired from international cricket in 2024 after one of the most decorated captaincy careers in the women’s game.
Under her leadership, Australia won seven World Cups, including two ODI World Cups and five T20 World Cups, cementing her legacy as a modern-day great.
Following her retirement, Alyssa Healy took over as Australia’s captain, though the team suffered semifinal exits in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 ODI World Cup.
UP Warriorz Eye Maiden WPL Title
UP Warriorz are yet to win a WPL title. They reached the playoffs in the 2023 and 2024 seasons under Alyssa Healy but failed to qualify in 2025 under Deepti Sharma.
Deepti remains part of the squad after being re-signed for ₹3.20 crore.
With the WPL 2026 season beginning on January 9 and the final scheduled in Vadodara, UP Warriorz will hope Meg Lanning’s leadership finally guides them to their first championship.
