UP Warriorz Appoint Meg Lanning as Captain: The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has seen a major shake-up ahead of the 2026 season. UP Warriors (UPW) has appointed Australian legend and one of the world’s most successful captains, Meg Lanning, as their new captain. Lanning was acquired by the franchise for ₹1.9 crore in the recent auction.
Meg Lanning to replace Alyssa Healy as Captain
The UP Warriors captaincy was previously held by Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy. However, Healy had to step down from the role due to injury. Deepti Sharma also briefly took over the captaincy in Healy’s absence, but the team management has now placed its trust in Lanning’s experience.
Meg Lanning: One of Cricket’s Most Successful Leaders
Meg Lanning’s name is synonymous with success in the world of cricket. She possesses leadership experience that would be a boon for any team:
- 7 World Cup Titles: Lanning has been part of the Australian team that has won 2 ODI World Cups and 5 T20 World Cups.
- Impressive WPL Record: Lanning has scored 952 runs in 27 WPL matches so far.
- Ability to Handle Pressure: She is known for her ability to score quickly in the powerplay and anchor the innings while chasing targets.
What Did Meg Lanning Say After Receiving the Captaincy?
After receiving the new responsibility, Lanning expressed her delight, saying:
“It’s an honor for me to lead the UP Warriors. The WPL is entering its fourth season, and it’s been amazing to witness the league’s growth. Our team has a great balance of international experience and Indian talent, and I’m fully prepared for the challenges ahead.”
Head Coach Abhishek Nayar has faith in Lanning
Team’s head coach Abhishek Nayar said that Lanning’s calm demeanor and clear understanding of the game will be invaluable to the team. According to Nayar, “The way Lanning makes decisions in pressure situations makes her a unique leader. The young Indian players will learn a lot from her presence.”
WPL 2026: List of all team captains
This season, all teams have entrusted the captaincy to their most trusted players. See the complete list here:
| Team | Captain |
|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) | Smriti Mandhana |
| Mumbai Indians (MI) | Harmanpreet Kaur |
| UP Warriors (UPW) | Meg Lanning |
| Gujarat Giants (GG) | Ashleigh Gardner |
| Delhi Capitals (DC) | Jemimah Rodrigues |
Also Read: Virat Kohli New Year 2026 Resolution: 4 Major Records He is Ready to Break
