UP Warriorz enter the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season at a pivotal crossroads. After three seasons marked by moments of brilliance but inconsistent results, finishing 3rd in 2023, 4th in 2024, and bottom of the table in 2025, the franchise has opted for a near-complete squad overhaul.
Ahead of the highly anticipated WPL Mega Auction on 27th November 2025 in New Delhi, the Capri Sports-owned side had retained just one player, 21-year-old Indian top-order bat Shweta Sehrawat, signalling a clear intent to reboot and build a more dynamic unit capable of sustained success.
The Warriorz had a determined start, securing the Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma by making the first-ever use of the RTM option against Delhi Capitals. The Capitals spiked the price from 50 Lakhs to 3.2 CR, to which the UP Warriorz accepted the offer. The sharp spike in the price made Deepti Sharma, the 2nd most expensive player after the RCB skipper, Smriti Mandhana (3.4 CR), in the history of the WPL, just in a matter of seconds.
The biggest steal of the auction for the UP Warriorz was their acquisition of the star left-arm spin bowling all-rounder from England, Sophie Ecclestone, at just 85 Lakhs, another player acquired via the RTM route. The UP Warriorz exercised their full quota of RTM options, as they bought back Kiran Navgire [60 Lakhs] and Kranti Gaud [50 Lakhs], reuniting some part of the core back. Some of their other impressive buys were also the inclusion of the likes of Meg Lanning [1.90 CR], a straightforward captaincy option.
The addition of the explosive “Universe Boss” Deandra Dottin added the Caribbean flavour. One of the most under-the-radar picks was the inclusion of the stylish Australian left-hander Phoebe Litchfield [1.20 CR] and the South African all-rounder Chloe Tryon [30 Lakhs]. The UP Warriorz invested heavily in the experience of Shikha Pandey [2.40 CR], with the ball as well as with the bat, and leg-spinner Asha Sobhana [1.10 CR].
Some of the eye-catching inclusions was the inclusion of the associate pacer Tara Norris [10 Lakhs], from the USA, which will also, as a result, allow them the flexibility of featuring 5 overseas players in the starting 11. The addition of the Player of the Tournament in India’s title defence of the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup 2025, Gongadi Trisha [10 Lakhs] and India’s beloved ODI World Cup winner Pratika Rawal [50 Lakhs] was a masterstroke pulled off by the Warriorz towards the backend of the accelerated auctions.
This strategic reset comes under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Abhishek Nayar, who made history as the first Indian to lead a WPL franchise. Taking over a squad featuring marquee names like Alyssa Healy (who went unsold in the mega auctions), Sophie Ecclestone, and Deepti Sharma in the previous editions. Nayar faced the dual task of blending established stars with emerging talent while crafting a team ethos that can translate promise into consistent match-winning performances.
UP Warriorz Squad for WPL 2026:
Shweta Sehrawat, Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield, Kiran Navgire, Simran Shaikh, Shipra Giri, Deandra Dottin, Tara Norris, Shikha Pandey, Gongadi Trisha, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Chloe Tryon, Suman Meena, Kranti Gaud, Sophie Ecclestone, Asha Sobhana
Having a purse of 14.5 crores, the highest among all franchises, and four Right-to-Match (RTM) cards at their disposal, UP Warriorz found themselves well-positioned to attract top domestic and international talent. The retention of Shweta Sehrawat also highlighted a focus on nurturing promising young Indians, with the uncapped batter having impressed since her debut, earning faith for the future.
An early glimpse after the completion of the mega auction reveals that the Abhishek Nayar-led management and the coaching unit have assembled a lethal and one of the most balanced squads for the upcoming 4th edition of the WPL from 9th January to 5th February 2026.
UP Warriorz’s journey since the inaugural WPL edition has been eventful. In 2023, led by skipper Alyssa Healy, they secured 8 points from 8 games with an equal number of wins and losses, reaching the knockouts but bowing out in a 72-run eliminator defeat to the Mumbai Indians. The 2024 campaign saw a slight dip to 4th place with 6 points, and the 2025 season reflected deeper struggles, as under stand-in captain Deepti Sharma, the team finished last with 3 wins from 8 matches.
The 2026 Mega Auction presented a golden opportunity for UP Warriorz to revamp their playing XI with a balanced mix of experience and youth. With six overseas player slots filled to perfection, an abundance of talent awaits their opportunity on the big stage, after strategic acquisitions at the auction table that are vital to complement a squad around Shweta Sehrawat and realize the coaching staff’s vision.
In the lead-up to the auction, all eyes were on how UP Warriorz would leverage their financial muscle and tactical nous to craft a team that could return to the upper echelons of the WPL. Their approach of blending a budding Indian star with a global array of talent, guided by the innovative mindset of Abhishek Nayar, sets the stage for an intriguing chapter in the franchise’s evolving WPL campaign.
UP Warriorz’s journey through WPL 2026 promises to be one of ambition, bold moves, and a refreshed quest for glory in India’s fastest growing and most exciting women’s cricket league.
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