DC’s loss could be UPW’s gain. Yes, this year, somehow the Delhi franchise realised that it did not need former Australia skipper Meg Lanning in their line-up; was bagged by UP instead. So now, they have one of the best skippers in the world, who would lead their unit in WPL 2026. Sounds strange, but works perfectly fine for the Warriorz, who are looking for their first-ever WPL title.
When they went into the WPL 2026 auction, they had only retained Shweta Sehrawat, and broke the bank for Deepti Sharma, and compiled an excellent squad. Now, the big question is, who will be in the playing XI? Insidesport takes a look.
UPW couldn’t ask for more
When you get the likes of Deepti Sharma and Meg Lanning in your team, half your battles are won at the auction table alone. Yes, post that the team did exceedingly well to get Sophie Ecclestone and Phoebe Litchfield as well; they have all their bases covered. Be it bowling, batting — pace/spin departments.
Which four foreign players make cut?
Perhaps, the team might just take some time to understand the combination they need, for WPL 2026. Otherwise they have some excellent foreign players in Ecclestone, Deandra Dottin, Chloe Tryon, and even Litchfield. Whoever misses out, solely misses out due to the four-foreign player rule only, otherwise all are excellent players.
Indian firepower
What really makes UPW a special team this year is, they have an excellent team of Indian players, be it the experienced ones or the junior players. Kranti Gaud had an excellent WC, could have a breakthrough season. G Trisha, the highest run-getter in Women’s U19 T20 World Cup, is there too. Pratika Rawal, India’s preferred choice in ODIs, will make her league debut.
Not to forget, leg spinner Asha Sobhana will look to make a mark, along with the very experienced Shikha Pandey, who also plays in the WBBL.
UPW strongest playing XI
| S. No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phoebe Litchfield | Batter |
| 2 | Meg Lanning | Batter |
| 3 | Harleen Deol | Batter |
| 4 | Deandra Dottin | All-rounder |
| 5 | Deepti Sharma | All-rounder |
| 6 | G Trisha | All-rounder |
| 7 | Shweta Sehrawat | Batter |
| 8 | Shikha Pandey | All-rounder |
| 9 | Sophie Ecclestone | Bowler |
| 10 | Asha Sobhana | Bowler |
| 11 | Kranti Gaud | Bowler |
UPW WPL 2025 Squad: Shweta Sehrawat, Deepti Sharma (Rs. 3.20 crore-RTM), Sophie Ecclestone (Rs. 0.85 crore-RTM), Meg Lanning (Rs. 1.90 crore), Phoebe Litchfield (Rs. 1.20 crore), Kiran Navgire (Rs. 0.60 crore-RTM), Harleen Deol (Rs. 0.50 crore), Kranti Gaud (Rs. 0.50 crore-RTM), Asha Sobhana (Rs. 1.10 crore), Deandra Dottin (Rs. 0.80 lakh), Shikha Pandey (Rs. 2.40 crore), Shipra Giri (Rs. 0.10 crore), Simran Shaikh (Rs. 0.10 crore), Tara Norris (Rs. 0.10 crore), Chloe Tryon (Rs. 0.30 crore), Suman Meena (Rs. 0.10 crore), G. Trisha (Rs. 0.10 crore), Pratika Rawal (Rs. 0.50 crore)
Editor's Pick
Cricket
BCCI gives update on Tilak Varma, batter ruled out of first 3 IND vs NZ T20Is
Top Stories
