Catch the strongest possible UPW playing XI (UP Warriorz) for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026.
DC’s loss could be UPW’s gain. Yes, this year the Delhi franchise realized that they don’t need former Australian 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 the WPL 2026. It sounds strange, but works perfectly well for the Warriorz, who are looking for their first ever WPL title.
When they entered the WPL 2026 auction, they retained only Shweta Sehrawat, broke the bank for Deepti Sharma and put together a great team. Now the big question is: who will be in the playing XI? Insidesport takes a look.
UPW couldn’t ask for more
When you have Deepti Sharma and Meg Lanning on your team, half of your battles are won at the bidding table alone. Yes, post that the team did extremely well to get Sophie Ecclestone and Phoebe Litchfield as well; they have all their bases covered. Be it bowling, batting – pace/spin departments.
Who are the four foreign players selected?
Perhaps the team could just take some time to figure out the combination they need for WPL 2026. Otherwise, they have some excellent overseas players in Ecclestone, Deandra Dottin, Chloe Tryon and even Litchfield. Whoever misses, misses only because of the four foreign player rule, otherwise all of them are excellent players.
Indian firepower
What really makes UPW a special team this year is that they have a great team of Indian players, both experienced players and junior players. Kanti Gaud had an excellent world championship and could have a decisive season. G Trisha, the top run-scorer in the U19 T20 Women’s World Cup, is also here. Pratika Rawal, India’s preferred choice in ODIs, will make her league debut.
Not forgetting leg-spinner Asha Sobhana will look to make a mark, alongside the very experienced Shikha Pandey, who also plays in the WBBL.
Strongest UPW playing XI
| S. No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phoebe Litchfield | Beat |
| 2 | Meg Lanning | Beat |
| 3 | Harleen Déol | Beat |
| 4 | Deandra Dottin | Versatile |
| 5 | Deepti Sharma | Versatile |
| 6 | G Trisha | Versatile |
| 7 | Shweta Sehrawat | Beat |
| 8 | Shikha Pandey | Versatile |
| 9 | Sophie Ecclestone | Bowler |
| 10 | Asha Sobhana | Bowler |
| 11 | Kranti Gaud | Bowler |
UPW WPL 2025 Team: 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)
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