UP Warriorz (UPW) qualified for the playoffs in the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) season in 2023. In that season, they got knocked out in the eliminator against Mumbai Indians (MI). But since then, in the last two seasons, they have failed to qualify for the playoffs, and now, heading into WPL 2026, the franchise is entering a new era under new head coach Abhishek Nayar and new captain Meg Lanning. While UPW have addressed some key areas, a few concerns remain ahead of the upcoming season.
Here is a SWOT analysis of the UPW squad ahead of the new season.
Strength
Solid openers
UPW are likely to go with Meg Lanning and Phoebe Litchfield as their opening pair, ensuring a left-hand and right-hand combination. Other options include Kiran Navgire, Pratika Rawal (subject to availability), and G Trisha, whom the franchise may test at the top.
Quality all-rounders
In the shortest format, all-rounders play a crucial role, and UPW have ensured strong depth in this department. Deepti Sharma, Deandra Dottin, Chloe Tryon, Asha Sobhana Joy, Charli Knott and Sophie Ecclestone offer multiple options based on opposition and conditions. These players provide balance with both bat and ball.
Spin bowling unit full of variety
UPW boast a varied spin attack featuring Deepti Sharma (off-spin), Asha Sobhana Joy (leg-spin), Chloe Tryon (left-arm orthodox), Sophie Ecclestone (left-arm orthodox), and Charli Knott (off-spin). If Pratika Rawal is fit, she can also contribute with off-spin. This variety gives Lanning flexibility during matches.
Weakness
Confusion over wicketkeeping options
Following the mega auction, UPW’s wicketkeeping options raised questions. Shipra Giri is the only specialist wicketkeeper-batter, while Charli Knott, primarily an all-rounder, has also been listed as a wicketkeeper. It remains to be seen who will keep wicket in the opening match.
Speaking to reporters, as quoted by NDTV, head coach Nayar admitted the concern. “For us at the end of the auction, reflecting (on it), maybe that was one aspect that we could have gotten better. But I also understand that sometimes in this T20 format, it’s important to take chances. That’s how KL Rahul became a KL Rahul. So hopefully we can form a women KL Rahul who then represents India in the future,” Nayar said.
Opportunity
Meg Lanning’s leadership and return to form
After captaining Delhi Capitals for three seasons, Lanning begins a fresh chapter with UPW. She scored 276 runs in nine innings in WPL 2025 at a strike rate of 118.96. However, she returned to form in the Women’s Hundred and WBBL 2025. Lanning scored 287 runs in eight innings in the Hundred at a strike rate of 136.66 and followed it up with 479 runs in 11 innings in the WBBL for Melbourne Stars, striking at 136.07 and an average of 53.22, including three fifties and one century. UPW will expect her to lead from the front.
Perfect stage for young players
The upcoming season offers a big opportunity for UPW’s younger players. The franchise showed faith in Shweta Sehrawat by retaining her, and she will aim to repay that trust. Players like Trisha and Knott will look to grab their chances. Harleen Deol is also expected to be part of the playing XI and will look to cement her place.
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Threat
Too many batters for similar roles
UPW face the challenge of having several players suited for similar roles, especially at the top. With many opening options and limited middle-order specialists, selecting the ideal combination could be tricky. Indian batters like Shweta Sehrawat and Simran Shaikh need to show consistency to avoid further selection issues.
Uncertainty about Pratika Rawal’s availability
Pratika twisted her ankle during the India vs Bangladesh match at the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 and was ruled out of the tournament. Her fitness remains uncertain. Speaking about it, Nayar said, as quoted by NDTV: “Pratika, we (are) still… I’m not sure to be honest, but I think the NCO, the COE, as they call it now, I think they will take a call on it.”
Full Squad
Shweta Sehrawat, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Meg Lanning (C), Phoebe Litchfield, Kiran Navgire, Harleen Deol, Kranti Goud, Asha Sobhana, Deandra Dottin, Shikha Pandey, Shipra Giri (WK), Simran Shaikh, Charli Knott (WK), Chloe Tryon, Suman Meena, G. Trisha, Pratika Rawal.
Also Read: WPL 2026: Gujarat Giants – SWOT Analysis
