Newly appointed UP Warriorz head coach Abhishek Nayar has openly acknowledged a significant challenge facing his team just days before the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 season begins: the lack of a frontline wicketkeeper-batter. The franchise will commence its campaign against the Gujarat Giants on January 10.
The Wicketkeeping Conundrum for Warriorz
Despite entering the auction with the largest purse of Rs 14.5 crore, the Warriorz could not secure a premier wicketkeeping option. The team currently has Australian star Phoebe Litchfield and young Indian Shipra Giri, aged 23, who can don the gloves. However, Nayar, who replaced Jon Lewis as coach, confirmed this remains a tactical weakness.
"I absolutely agree with you. There are concerns with the wicket-keeping aspect of it," Nayar stated at a press conference. He reflected that it was perhaps one area the team could have improved during the auction but emphasized the need to take calculated risks in the T20 format.
Nayar's 'Woman KL Rahul' Vision
Drawing inspiration from the men's game, Nayar pointed to Indian cricketer KL Rahul's successful transformation into a wicketkeeper-batter. He expressed a long-term hope of nurturing a similar talent within the women's setup.
"That's how KL Rahul became a KL Rahul. So hopefully we can form a women's KL Rahul who then represents India in the future," Nayar said. He added that the team is working on a solution and hinted that fans might see a surprise when the season opens. "We are working towards it. Hopefully, at the start of the WPL, you'll get your answer."
Captain Lanning's Crucial Role and Nayar's Dual Focus
Amid the concern, Nayar placed immense faith in newly appointed captain Meg Lanning, the former Australian skipper. He called her "the best mind out there in women's cricket" and highlighted the importance of strong leadership in the T20 format.
"Having Meg there makes things very easy for me because she's going to take all the pressure," Nayar remarked. He believes creating the right high-performance environment is more critical than micromanaging skills, given the limited time with players.
Nayar also addressed his packed schedule, which sees him coaching the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL immediately after the WPL. He asserted his ability to compartmentalize. "When I'm here in the WPL, there is no IPL. So WPL is my priority now. And when WPL is over, IPL becomes a priority."
The UP Warriorz, with a blend of experience and youth, aim for their maiden WPL title. While the wicketkeeping gap presents a clear challenge, the team is banking on Lanning's leadership and Nayar's strategic approach to navigate the season that begins on January 10, 2026.
