WPL 2026: UP Warriorz’s Top 11 for Women’s Premier League

UP Warriors (UPW) Ready to turn the page after the challenge Women’s Premier League 2025 season. After a strategic relaunch during the November 2025 Mega Auction, the franchise has emerged with a new leader, a strong batting line-up and a coaching staff led by the innovative Abhishek Nayar.

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

UP Warriorz Best Player XI for WPL 2026

1. Meg Lanning (Captain – Abroad): The legendary ‘Megastar’ moves from Delhi to lead UPW. With 952 WPL runs and a record-breaking trophy cabinet, his leadership is the missing piece for a franchise looking to win its first title. He will anchor the innings while providing tactical brilliance on the field.
2. Shweta Sehrawat: Sehrawat, the only player retained before the auction, is the future of the franchise. After showing his mettle in 2025, he 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. One of the most exciting young talents in world cricket at the moment, his ability to find gaps and manipulate pitches makes him the perfect No.3.
4. Activities include: The ‘six-striking queen’ has been brought back via RTM for INR 60 Lakh. Navgire, who completed a record-breaking 34-ball century in domestic T20s, is an “Impact Player” in the middle order who can take the game away from the opposition on several occasions.
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 crucial fourth-seam bowling option that acts as a true match-winner.
6. Deepti Sharma (Vice Captain): Costliest signing for UPW at INR 3.2 crore (RTM). Deepti, named the Player of the Tournament in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, is the best all-rounder in the world. His 4 spins and ability to anchor or finish makes him the heartbeat of this XI.
7. Harleen Deol: A tactical buy at INR 50 Lakh, the Harleen provides mid-range depth and exceptional range. His ability to play good spin will be crucial in the return journeys to Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.
8. Sophie Ecclestone (foreign – ENGLAND): World’s No. 1 spinner returns with INR 85 Lakh (RTM). Ecclestone is the ultimate ‘cheat code’ in the WPL, capable of smothering runs in the middle overs and providing useful low-order cameos with the bat.
9. Shikha Pandey: In a massive move, UPW spent INR 2.4 crore to secure the veteran Indian seamer. His experience and ability to swing the new ball provide a much-needed pace attack in the lead-up.
10. Asha Sobhana: The leg spin sensation was signed for INR 1.1 crore. His ability to take wickets in the middle overs makes him 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. His raw pace and recent domestic form have made him one of India’s most talked about prospects.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra predicts the winner and Orange Cap holder for WPL 2026 edition

Tactical fragmentation

• Lanning Management: Lanning, who replaces Alyssa Healy, brings a “win no matter what” mentality. His partnership with head coach Abhishek Nayar is designed to address the tactical inconsistencies plaguing the team in 2025.
• “Spin Choke”: With Ecclestone, Deepti and Asha Sobhana, UPW could feature more than 12 of the world-class rotation. On the dry, end-of-season tracks in Vadodara, this will be their main weapon to defend any total.
• Pace anxiety: While Shikha Pandey brings experience, the stitching department is relatively thin. The team will rely heavily on Deandra Dottin to handle the medium-pacer to support the front-line duo.
• Power Finish: In Navgire and Dottin, UPW have two of the purest hitters in the game. Their role is to ensure that the platform built by Lanning and Litchfield grows into 180+ accounts.

Impact Player Options

• Pratika Rawal: A versatile batting and unbreakable bowler who can come in if the top order needs more stability.
• Chloe Tryon: World-class overseas backup. If the outfield is a dust bowl, he could replace Dottin or Litchfield to provide additional rotation and power hitting.
• Charlie Knott: A late replacement for Tara Norris, Knott is a dynamic young Australian all-rounder who provides a high-energy option on the field.

Also READ: WPL 2026: RCB’s Best XI for Women’s Premier League

This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.