Meg Lanning Aims to Add Her Own Touch to Drive UP Warriorz Forward in WPL 2026

Meg Lanning is excited to lead UP Warriorz in Women’s Premier League 2026. Her previous stint with Delhi Capitals was great, as she led the team to runners-up position in each of the first three editions of the WPL. Drawing inspiration from that experience, Lanning is ready to take on a new challenge with UP Warriorz in the WPL 2026, which is scheduled to begin on January 9.

"I certainly learnt a lot in my experience with Delhi. Coming into a new franchise, you don't really know how things operate or how individuals work. A really important part of the initial week or so is getting used to that. And that's what I've tried to focus on here in my first few days, just trying to get to know everybody.” said Meg Lanning while talking to the media.

Currently, Lanning is trying to learn the roles of every player in the team. She is having a hard time remembering the names of some players, but she is confident of building rapport with the team quickly.

"I'm struggling a little bit with all the names. I'm trying to remember all of them, but it's just trying to understand what people's roles are, how it all works, and things that I can maybe have some input into and make an impact on, and then some areas where I just need to let people do their job.” said Meg Lanning.

“I don't want to be in control over everything [but] try and bring different people's perspectives and give them confidence to be able to execute their roles." added Meg Lanning.

Speaking about Deepti Sharma, she said that the growth of the Indian star in international cricket has been heartening to see. She added that Deepti contributes with both bat and ball, which is why her game has improved significantly.

"Deepti has been able to impact the game with both bat and ball and has really improved her game too, which is good to see. She's always been such a good player but for her to have that drive to keep getting better and want to be the best is very important to someone at this level.” said Meg Lanning.

“She's been part of the franchise from the start, so she's very important on the field and off the field, and I'm looking forward to playing with her again.” added Meg Lanning.

She then expressed excitement of working with Sophie Ecclestone. Lanning said that all these players are vastly experienced, so it is a good opportunity to work with them in the upcoming WPL edition.

“I have done that in the past and always enjoyed it. I'll be leaning on her a little bit, and Sophie Ecclestone as well, who has been around a lot, to work out how we go about it. I'll be leaning on those players to learn as much as I can and understand what the franchise is about, but also trying to move us forward and put my own spin on it." said Meg Lanning.

Abhishek Nayar Highlights Meg Lanning’s Tactical Brilliance

The head coach of UP Warriorz, Abhishek Nayar, is also excited to have Meg Lanning in the team. He believes Lanning is the best mind in women’s cricket currently, so the team will hopefully take a lot of advantage from her in the upcoming matches.

"For me, she is the best mind out there in women's cricket. So we are very happy to have her. It's the first time for me [coaching a women's cricket team], yes. But I've always believed the best teams have the best captains. And this format, especially, is a captain's format.” said Abhishek Nayar.

“I wanted someone who could lead this team and having Meg there makes things very easy for me because she's going to take all the pressure. I'm going to be chilling, having coffee. So no pressure, Meg.” added Abhishek Nayar.

The presence of Meg Lanning in the team is undoubtedly a big boost for UP Warriorz. They are hopeful that Lanning will take the team to new heights of success, as she is a vastly experienced cricketer who understands how to lead the team during tough moments.