UP Warriorz Appoint Abhishek Nayar as New Coach Ahead of WPL 2026
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is all set to witness a new chapter in its history, with the latest development from the world of cricket. UP Warriorz, one of the most promising franchises in the league, have appointed former Indian cricketer Abhishek Nayar as their new head coach ahead of the WPL 2026 season. This announcement comes after former England cricketer Jon Lewis, who coached UP Warriorz for the first three seasons from 2023-25, parted ways with the franchise.
Abhishek Nayar, a seasoned cricketer with over 10 years of experience in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is known for his expertise in mentoring young players and developing winning strategies. With his rich experience in the domestic circuit, Nayar is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the UP Warriorz team, helping them to improve their performance and compete at the highest level.
Under Jon Lewis’s guidance, UP Warriorz had a promising start to their WPL journey, finishing as the runner-up in the inaugural season in 2023. However, the team failed to replicate their success in the subsequent seasons, resulting in Lewis’s departure. The franchise has been looking for a new coach to lead the team and bring back the winning momentum.
Abhishek Nayar’s appointment is seen as a bold move by UP Warriorz, as he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. As a player, Nayar has played for several IPL franchises, including Mumbai Indians, Kings XI Punjab, and Kolkata Knight Riders. He has also represented India in the T20 format, featuring in several international matches.
In his new role, Nayar will be responsible for shaping the team’s strategy, player development, and overall performance. He will work closely with the players, coaches, and support staff to ensure that UP Warriorz are well-prepared to take on the best teams in the league.
The appointment of Abhishek Nayar also signals a shift in UP Warriorz’s policy, as they look to develop a more home-grown coaching structure. By appointing a former Indian cricketer as their head coach, the franchise is sending a strong message that they are committed to nurturing local talent and creating a sustainable ecosystem for women’s cricket in the country.
The WPL 2026 season is expected to be one of the most competitive in the league’s history, with several teams strengthening their squads ahead of the tournament. With Abhishek Nayar at the helm, UP Warriorz are well-positioned to make a strong impact and challenge for the title.
In a statement, a UP Warriorz spokesperson said, “We are thrilled to announce Abhishek Nayar as our new head coach for the WPL 2026 season. Nayar’s experience and expertise in the domestic circuit will be invaluable to our team, and we are confident that he will help us to achieve our goals in the league. We are looking forward to working with him and creating a winning culture at the franchise.”
Abhishek Nayar’s appointment has sent shockwaves across the cricketing world, with many experts tipping UP Warriorz as one of the teams to watch out for in the WPL 2026 season. As the league prepares for its next edition, fans are eagerly waiting to see how Nayar’s coaching will shape the team’s performance and what kind of impact he will have on the franchise.
