UP Warriorz have ushered in a new leadership era by appointing Meg Lanning as their captain for the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season. The Australian star takes over the reins from Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma, who led the side last season in the absence of the injured Alyssa Healy.
"Meg brings a rare combination of experience, clarity, and calmness that sets her apart as a leader. Her understanding of the game, ability to manage high-pressure moments, and connect with players makes her the ideal captain for this group," Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar said.
Lanning was signed for INR 1.9 crore at the auction after being released by Delhi Capitals. Her signing has not only strengthened the Warriorz’ batting order but also added massive leadership experience to the side.
"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. We'll work hard together and give ourselves every opportunity to lift the trophy," Lanning said.
During her tenure with Delhi Capitals, she led the side to three consecutive WPL finals. Although a title eluded them, her leadership played a greater role in the team's assertiveness. Lanning has also been among the standout performers in the league, scoring 952 runs from 27 matches. She is the third-highest run-scorer in WPL history. Notably, she captained Australia to one ODI World Cup triumph and an extraordinary four T20 World Cup titles.