What Led Jon Lewis to Depart from UP Warriorz as Head Coach?
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Synopsis
Jon Lewis steps down from his role as head coach of UP Warriorz after a mixed tenure. Explore the implications of his departure and the future of the team in the Women's Premier League. This transition opens new opportunities for both UPW and MI as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Key Takeaways
- Jon Lewis has stepped down from his role as head coach of UP Warriorz.
- Under his leadership, UPW had mixed results in the Women’s Premier League.
- The team aims to find a new head coach before the WPL 2026 season.
- Uncertainty surrounds the roles of former players Lisa Sthalekar and Anju Jain.
- Future challenges and strategies will be key for UPW moving forward.
New Delhi, June 27 (NationPress) Following his departure from the England women's coaching staff, Jon Lewis has stepped away from his position as head coach of UP Warriorz (UPW) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Lewis had been leading the team since the league's launch in 2023, taking them to the playoffs that season, where they were eliminated by the eventual champions, the Mumbai Indians. However, in the 2024 season, UPW could not make the playoffs, finishing fourth in the standings.
During the WPL 2025, with India’s off-spin bowling all-rounder Deepti Sharma stepping in as captain due to Alyssa Healy's knee injury, UPW finished at the bottom of the league.
The franchise expressed their gratitude on social media, stating, “From day one, you believed in us. Through the highs, the learnings, and everything in between — Thank You, Coach Jon Lewis, for leading with heart, calm, and belief. You’ll always be a part of the Warriorz Family.”
Jon Lewis has a background playing for the England men’s team, participating in a Test match, 13 ODIs, and two T20Is. He had previously left his role as head coach of the women's team after they faced a 16-0 defeat in the women’s Ashes series in Australia, following an early exit from the Women’s T20 World Cup last October.
The England women's head coach position has now been taken over by Charlotte Edwards, who previously led the Mumbai Indians to their second WPL title earlier this year before departing from the franchise.
As for Lisa Sthalekar, the former Australian cricketer's future with the UPW team as a mentor remains uncertain, while Anju Jain, a former India player who later coached Bangladesh, has been absent from the franchise since last year. This means that both MI and UPW will be on the lookout for new head coaches ahead of WPL 2026.
Point of View
I believe Jon Lewis's departure from UP Warriorz marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the team. With the upcoming WPL season, the franchise will need to reassess its strategy and leadership to compete effectively. This transition is crucial not just for UPW but for the league as a whole, as teams aim to elevate their performance.
NationPress
27/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jon Lewis leave UP Warriorz?
Jon Lewis left UP Warriorz after a disappointing season where the team failed to reach the playoffs, combined with his recent exit from the England women's setup.
Who will replace Jon Lewis as head coach?
As of now, UP Warriorz is actively searching for a new head coach ahead of WPL 2026.
What was UP Warriorz's performance under Jon Lewis?
Under Jon Lewis, UP Warriorz reached the playoffs in the inaugural season but struggled in subsequent seasons, finishing fourth in 2024 and last in 2025.
Is Lisa Sthalekar continuing with UP Warriorz?
The future of Lisa Sthalekar as a mentor for UP Warriorz remains uncertain following Jon Lewis's departure.
What impact does this have on the WPL?
Jon Lewis's departure creates an opportunity for UP Warriorz to revamp their strategy and leadership, impacting the competitive landscape of the WPL.
