UP Warriorz have made a bold move ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season, appointing seasoned coach and former India allrounder Abhishek Nayar as their new head coach. This change signals a strategic overhaul, as the franchise aims to bounce back from a couple of underwhelming seasons. With Nayar’s impressive coaching credentials and deep ties with some of Indian cricket’s finest, the Warriorz are betting big on a proven architect of talent.
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Abhishek Nayar Takes Charge of UP Warriorz
The UP Warriorz, looking to chart a new course after two lackluster seasons, have entrusted the reins of their team to Abhishek Nayar, a name that has become synonymous with modern cricket coaching excellence in India. The decision follows the departure of Jon Lewis, who served as head coach for three consecutive seasons.
Though Nayar has never formally coached a women’s team, his association with the Warriorz is not entirely new. In August 2023, he led a week-long off-season training camp with the squad in Bengaluru. His appointment now marks a full-circle moment in a steadily growing relationship.
“I really enjoyed my time working with the UP Warriorz before and I’m thrilled to take on this new role,” Nayar said. “WPL is a fantastic platform for women’s cricket and I’m looking forward to working closely with the management to build a strong team for Season 4… There is incredible potential and I will give it my all to help win their first-ever title this season.”
A Proven Architect of Cricketing Revival
Nayar’s post-retirement journey has been nothing short of prolific. After ending his playing career in 2019, the Mumbai veteran threw himself into coaching. He made his first mark by guiding talents at the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) academy before becoming the franchise’s assistant coach in the IPL. His stint as head coach of the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the Caribbean Premier League in 2022 added international depth to his resume.
Perhaps his most prominent success came in 2024, when he, alongside mentor Gautam Gambhir, helped KKR win their third IPL title. That success propelled Nayar to the national stage as assistant coach of the Indian men’s team, although his time there was cut short within a year. Undeterred, he returned to KKR for IPL 2025, continuing to shape future stars from the dugout.
UP Warriorz believe Nayar’s presence is the catalyst they’ve been missing. “When someone of Abhishek’s calibre became available, it was a no-brainer,” said Kshemal Waingankar, COO and Director of Cricket, UP Warriorz. “Few in Indian cricket bring the same depth of experience when it comes to shaping players and shaping winning cultures.”
Turning Point for the Warriorz?
Since making the playoffs in the inaugural WPL 2023 season, UP Warriorz have struggled to replicate success. They finished second-last and bottom of the table in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, respectively. The franchise has played 25 matches across three seasons, winning just 10 and losing 15.
With Deepti Sharma appointed captain for WPL 2025 following Alyssa Healy’s injury, leadership too has seen significant shifts. The team is in desperate need of stability, identity, and a winning formula.
Nayar’s knack for unlocking talent could be the X-factor the team has long been missing. His one-on-one mentorship with players such as Dinesh Karthik, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rohit Sharma, and Venkatesh Iyer stands testament to his transformative coaching style. “Big shoutout to Abhishek Nayar. I’ve worked a lot with him ever since he’s come into the Indian team,” said KL Rahul about Nayar’s influence on his white-ball resurgence.
WPL Stats: UP Warriorz Performance Summary
| Season | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8 | 4 | 4 | Playoffs (Eliminator) |
| 2024 | 9 | 3 | 6 | 4th Place |
| 2025 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 5th Place (Last) |
| Total | 25 | 10 | 15 |
Can Nayar’s Vision Steer UP Warriorz to Their First Title?
With a solid foundation of young Indian talent and international experience, UP Warriorz are poised for a potential resurgence under Nayar. His history of tactical acumen and personal investment in player development suggests the franchise may finally have the leader capable of guiding them to silverware.
The 2026 WPL season will serve as the litmus test. Will Abhishek Nayar’s expertise translate into a winning women’s team? The stage is set for a new chapter — one written with clarity, conviction, and the hope of a long-overdue title.
Read More: Rishabh Pant Equals Historic Record: Breaking Down the Most Sixes in Test by an Indian
FAQs
Who is the new head coach of UP Warriorz for WPL 2026?
Abhishek Nayar has been appointed as the new head coach of UP Warriorz.
What is Abhishek Nayar’s coaching experience?
Nayar has coached KKR as an assistant, led the KKR academy, served as TKR head coach in CPL 2022, and was briefly part of India’s men’s team setup.
Has Abhishek Nayar worked with women’s cricket teams before?
While he hasn’t coached a women’s team full-time, he led a training camp for UP Warriorz in 2023 and has mentored several Indian players individually.
Why did UP Warriorz change their head coach?
They parted ways with Jon Lewis after a disappointing 2024 and 2025 WPL seasons and sought a fresh direction under Nayar.
What are UP Warriorz’s overall WPL stats?
In three seasons, UPW have played 25 matches, winning 10 and losing 15, with one playoff appearance in 2023.
