As the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) gears up to begin on January 9, UP Warriorz are navigating a mix of anticipation, tactical decisions, and unresolved questions that could define their campaign. Head coach Abhishek Nayar has been at the forefront, addressing key updates on squad fitness, leadership choices and tactical puzzles, most notably the wicketkeeper conundrum that could influence team balance early in the tournament.
One of the major talking points in the Warriorz camp has been the fitness of India opener Pratika Rawal. The young batter, roped in by UP Warriorz at the 2025 auction, has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury during the Women’s ODI World Cup last November. With the WPL season now just days away, her participation remains uncertain.
Coach Abhishek Nayar confirmed that the team is awaiting a final medical clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (COE) before confirming Rawal’s availability. “We’re still not sure,” Nayar admitted, underscoring that the decision now rests with medical authorities. “I think the COE will take a call on it,” he added, without committing to her inclusion in the squad.
Despite the uncertainty, Nayar stressed Rawal’s value to the team structure. He highlighted that having a player of her contrasting style and talent adds depth and balance, a factor that matters especially in a high-pressure T20 format. If cleared, Rawal’s presence at the top of the order will boost Warriorz’s batting firepower.
Amid the uncertainty surrounding Rawal, UP Warriorz have made a decisive move in appointing Meg Lanning as captain for the 2026 season. The Australian great’s elevation marks a significant leadership shift for the franchise as it looks to build consistency and challenge for the title.
Lanning, who boasts one of the most decorated leadership résumés in women’s cricket – including numerous global titles and consistent WPL performances, brings calm authority and tactical experience to a team eager for its first title. Nayar called her appointment “the obvious choice,” noting that in a format where leadership often makes the difference, Lanning’s presence should ease pressure on both players and coaches.
He said, “I’ve always believed the best teams have the best captains. And this format, especially, is a captain’s format. I wanted someone who could lead this team, and having Meg there makes things very easy for me.”
The Australian great was vocal about her excitement and responsibility. “I’m very privileged to have the opportunity to lead the squad into the new season and build on what’s already been put in place,” she said. Under her leadership, Warriorz will aim to translate individual talents into consistent performances.
Perhaps the most intriguing challenge Warriorz face ahead of the season is the wicketkeeper situation – an area where the squad has limited specialist options. During press engagements, Nayar openly acknowledged this shortfall, describing it as a “concern” that the team is still working to resolve. Currently, Warriorz’s lineup lists Phoebe Litchfield and Shipra Giri as the primary wicketkeeper options, but neither fits the profile of an established keeper-batter with consistent match experience.
However, rather than signaling panic, Nayar framed this as a calculated risk that they hoped to mitigate. He even drew a parallel to KL Rahul’s evolution in men’s cricket hinting that Warriorz might unearth a multi-dimensional wicketkeeper out of the challenge. “We may surprise you all at the start,” he quipped, suggesting flexibility remains part of the plan.
While the absence of a clear first-choice keeper could complicate selection balance, it also provides an opportunity for emerging players to stake their claim early in the season. How this plays out could be one of the defining tactical narratives of UP Warriorz’s WPL 2026 campaign.
With the tournament set to kick off in just a few days, UP Warriorz find themselves between optimism and unanswered questions. If Pratika Rawal returns to fitness and Meg Lanning’s leadership sparks performances, the franchise could be a genuine contender. Regardless, the Warriorz seem ready to make a compelling statement in the WPL 2026.
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