WPL 2026: Abhishek Nayar joins UP Warriorz as head coach

WPL 2026: Abhishek Nayar joins UP Warriorz as head coach. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Former Mumbai cricketer Abhishek Nayar has been appointed as the head of Women’s Premier League franchise UP Warriorz. He will be at the helm of affairs for the franchise in the 2026 edition of the T20 tournament, where the side is still looking to bag their maiden title. Nayar will now be working alongside star cricketer Deepti Sharma, who currently captains the franchise.

Nayar brings along a vast experience to the Warriorz dugout. He had been associated with IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders as one of the coaching staffs between 2018 and 2024. In his last year of this stint, KKR also lifted their third title, led by Shreyas Iyer. Then he was drafted as an assistant to head coach Gautam Gambhir for the Indian team that lifted the Champions Trophy, but was released thereafter. He served another stint with Kolkata for IPL 2025, and will now be joining hands with the UP-based women’s franchise.

Bringing in Nayar was “a no-brainer” for Warriorz

“Bringing Abhishek Nayar on board as head coach feels like a natural and exciting step forward for UP Warriorz. When someone of Abhishek’s calibre became available, it was a no-brainer. Few in Indian cricket bring the same depth of experience when it comes to shaping players and shaping winning cultures,” Kshemal Waingankar, the chief operations officer and director of cricketer at the franchise, was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“In just the past 18 months alone, Abhishek has been part of three championship-winning campaigns, each in a different role, each leaving a lasting impact. We are thrilled to have him lead a Warriorz side that’s united, fearless and hungry to grow. With Abhishek at the helm, we believe this group can do something truly special,” Waingankar added further.

The fourth season of the Women’s Premier League is expected to played in February-March next year, and Nayar will be banking on his years of coaching experience to pave the way for the first-ever title for the side in the cash-rich tournament.

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