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UP Warriorz Coach Abhishek Nayar Eyes WPL 2026 Glory with "Powerful" Team Unity

UP Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar is optimistic about the team's chances in the upcoming Women's Premier League 2026 season. He stressed that true team strength is built on the ground through unity, not just on paper with a balanced squad. The team, led by Meg Lanning and featuring key players like Deepti Sharma and Sophie Ecclestone, aims to improve upon its bottom-place finish last season. Their campaign begins on January 10 against the Gujarat Giants.

Key Points: UP Warriorz Coach on WPL 2026: Team Power Comes from Unity

  • Coach emphasizes team unity over paper strength
  • Squad blends experience like Lanning with youth
  • Team looks to rebound from last-place finish
  • WPL 2026 season begins January 9 in Navi Mumbai
2 min read

"When team plays together, that's when it becomes powerful": UP Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar ahead of WPL 2026

UP Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar previews WPL 2026, emphasizing squad strength and on-field unity ahead of the team's campaign opener.

"When the team plays together, that's when it becomes powerful. - Abhishek Nayar"

Navi Mumbai, January 5

UP Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar is optimistic about the team's chances in the Women's Premier League 2026. He believes the team is strong, with a balanced squad, but emphasised that true strength comes from playing together on the ground.

The UP Warriorz squad features a mix of experienced players such as Meg Lanning, Deepti Sharma, and Sophie Ecclestone, alongside talented young players like Shweta Sehrawat and Pratika Rawal.

The WPL 2026 season begins on January 9 with a blockbuster opener in Navi Mumbai, where defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

"When the team plays together, that's when it becomes powerful. In our opinion, the team is very good, but I've always believed that a team isn't built on paper; it's built on the ground. So, you'll get an idea of how the team is playing after the first match. In the T20 format, form is very important, so the team looks very good on paper. The entire team is strong. Now, we'll see how everyone is in form during the tournament," Abhishek Nayar told ANI.

UP Warriorz, which finished at the bottom of the points table last season with just three wins in eight matches, will start their campaign against Gujarat Giants from January 10 onwards.

Lanning, who has won seven World Cups for Australia, including five as captain, will lead the side. Lanning not only brings immense leadership qualities to the UP Warriorz but also plenty of firepower as an opening batter.

Deepti, the franchise's most valuable player with 507 runs and 27 wickets in 25 matches, will continue with UPW after being retained through the Right-to-Match option.

UPW further strengthened their spin battery by using their second Right-to-Match to bring back world-class left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone for Rs 85 lakh, reinforcing a proven and reliable bowling unit.

UP Warriorz now heads into WPL 2026 with renewed purpose and a reinforced squad built around experience, youth and world-class leadership.

Squad: Deepti Sharma, Shikha Pandey, Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield, Asha Sobhana, Sophie Ecclestone, Deandra Dottin, KP Navgire, Harleen Deol, Kranti Gaud, Pratika Rawal, Shweta Sehrawat, CL Tryon, SL Meena, TG Norris, Trisha Gongadi, SR Giri, Simran Shaikh.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Last season was disappointing, but this team looks much more balanced now. Meg Lanning's leadership is a game-changer. If Deepti Sharma fires with both bat and ball, they can go all the way. UP Warriorz, all the best for the new season!
D
David E
Interesting perspective from the coach. The mix of experience and youth is key in a tournament like this. Sophie Ecclestone for 85 lakh seems like a smart retention. Her economy in the middle overs will be crucial.
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Ananya R
I appreciate the coach's honest take. A team isn't built on paper. They need to gel quickly. The first match against Gujarat Giants is very important to set the tone. Hoping for a better show than last year! #UPWarriorz
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Siddharth J
With all due respect to the coach and the squad, I feel the team is still a bit top-heavy. Too much reliance on Lanning and Deepti. The middle order and Indian pace bowling look thin. Hope the young players step up.
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Kavya N
So excited for WPL 2026! 🎉 The Warriorz have my support. Deepti Sharma is our pride! Her all-round performance will be the key. Let's go, girls! Make Uttar Pradesh proud this time.

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