Bengaluru, Nov 28 (UNI) The 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to be one of the most exciting seasons yet, with the recent mega auction leaving fans speculating on which franchise will dominate.
Among the six teams, UP Warriorz have emerged as the most balanced and inspiring side, combining star power with depth and versatility.
UP Warriorz, retaining only uncapped Shweta Sehrawat, went all out in the auction to assemble a formidable squad. The team secured World Cup winner Meg Lanning, Deepti Sharma, Phoebe Litchfield, Deandra Dottin, and Sophie Ecclestone, ensuring a strong overseas presence.
The Indian contingent has been reinforced with Kiran Navgire, Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal, Kranti Gaud, and Asha Sobhana, providing a perfect blend of experience and young talent. While the team’s wicketkeeping options are yet to be fully strengthened after letting go of former skipper Alyssa Healy, the overall squad balance is impressive.
UP Warriorz’s strategy focused on assembling a core of reliable allrounders alongside explosive batswomen, giving them flexibility in all conditions. Their aggressive auction moves, including the successful right-to-match bids for Sophie Ecclestone and Kashvee Gautam, indicate the franchise’s intent to dominate the season.
Analysts say this approach, combined with a deep roster of match-winners, makes UP Warriorz a team to watch closely.
Mumbai Indians, the reigning champions, retained continuity by bringing back Amelia Kerr for Rs 3 crore and building around their successful core. They also added uncapped Indian talent, though their medium-pacer options remain limited.
Delhi Capitals focused on allround strength and leadership depth with Laura Wolvaardt, Chinelle Henry, and Marizanne Kapp, while relying heavily on overseas fast bowlers.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 2024 winners, targeted allrounders and capped players, including Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, and Nadine de Klerk, forming a powerful batting lineup but with some concerns over Indian middle-order experience.
Gujarat Giants invested heavily in overseas stars like Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine but remain top-heavy due to a less experienced Indian bench.
Experts say while all franchises have their strengths, UP Warriorz’s combination of explosive batting, reliable allrounders, and strategic auction planning makes them arguably the strongest and most inspiring team heading into WPL 2026.
Strongest XI for UP Warriorz: Meg Lanning, Phoebe Litchfield, Harleen Deol, Kiran Navgire, Deepti Sharma, Deandra Dottin, Sophie Ecclestone, Asha Sobhana, Shipra Giri (wk), Kranti Gaud, Shikha Pandey.
