Get ready with Meg

Dressed in a blue polo shirt and feeling "fresh and energised to play" in her new jersey, Meg Lanning stood on an open-air terrace in Navi Mumbai on Monday afternoon, listening to a group of young girls perform for her - a playlist that ranged from Hotel California to Carnatic classics. The venue was barely a few kilometres from the DY Patil Stadium, the same ground that had hosted India's historic World Cup victory and witnessed Australia's dreams crumble just months earlier.

Lanning, retired from international cricket, was present for neither of those games. Yet, in her words, she would've loved for Australia to retain the title which was last won under her captaincy, and also fulfill the dreams of the 'fair few' she was close to in the Australian team.

Having won five World Cups as captain, seven as a player, and a Commonwealth gold medal, Lanning understands the joy of winning a major title (possibly, even the boredom and monotony of it). She is also among the very few who probably understand the hunger of what keeps these players chasing endlessly for more, and as captain, even the method to the madness of success and consistency. Her CV, in that sense, is richer than most.

It is not surprising that come 2026, she has been handed a new gig, a heftier pay cheque, but the same mandate: win the cup.

In three attempts with Delhi Capitals, she may have failed to win the Women's Premier League title, but she forged unarguably the most consistent and dominant side of the tournament with them. The WPL title now is among the very few high-profile titles missing in her cabinet. To take a shot at that, this year, she has the opportunity to lead the charge of UP Warriorz, a team which has dropped a level on the points table with each passing season, and making just as desperate a dash for the silverware.

Lanning is motivated by the challenge at hand, and rearing to go with a new bunch of players.

"Coming into a new franchise, you don't really know how things operate or how individuals work. That's a part of the initial sort of week or so. Still getting used to it in my initial days here, the first few days getting to know everybody. I'm still struggling a bit with all those names.

"That has been one of the bonuses for me - I've been getting breaks between these tournaments. Then I can come in really excited about the opportunity, with some great energy, which I always look forward to. Coming into this setup, I didn't know any of the coaching staff or many of the players. That's exciting - a little bit nervous as well - coming in not really sure what the setup is going to be. I'm looking forward to that challenge."

Given the composition of the newly-assembled squad, Lanning is comfortable with the skill levels available, even if there is a bit of inexperience, as compared to the setup she had in DC. Shedding light on how she plans to take this team forward, Lanning explained, "Trying to understand what people's roles are and how it all works, things that I can have some input into and work in some areas, then I let people do their jobs. That's how I like to do things. I don't like to be in control of everything. I like to try and bring different people's perspectives and give them confidence to execute their roles.

"It is important to be able to come together off the field. Often your on-field performance reflects how the team operates away from the field. We have got a really good base at UP Warriorz this year to enjoy ourselves and have some fun, and for people to feel confident to be able to bring their skills on the field. And that means some success on the field."

The quest for a happy team begins with a happy captain. As Lanning mentions, she herself is turning up into the tournament recharged, having found a way to balance her priorities well. Ever since she retired from international cricket after complaining of burnout, Lanning's cricket assignments have been well spaced out. Over the last three years, she has featured in a healthy share of 85 T20 games in WBBL, WPL, the Hundred and the T20 Spring Challenge.

"I have always had very high expectations of myself personally - to try and do as well as I can. Plus, any team that I was involved with as well has been wanting to win as much as possible. So obviously there is a lot of time and energy - mental and physical - that goes into that.

"I thoroughly enjoyed doing that for Australia and the different franchises that I was in. I just reached a different point in what my priorities were and what I enjoyed doing and what sort of energy I could give to different things. Stepping back from international cricket took a little bit of getting used to. But I think I'm at that point now, where I have got that great balance, where I have that time away from the game.

"With the amount of international cricket now, it can be quite hard work to be able to move from one thing to another. It's a great thing to be playing international cricket, but it comes with its challenges. From a mental mindset perspective as well, to be able to stay as fresh as possible."

"But when I do come into these tournaments, I am refreshed and ready to go, keen to perform as well as I can. That is something that hasn't changed. I still want to do as well as I can, and help whichever team I am playing to win as many games. That's my mindset coming into the game."

The musical performance on Monday didn't last too long, but for Lanning in UP colours, the real show is just about to start.