The Delhi Capitals (DC) have long been the embodiment of consistency in the Women’s Premier League, yet the ultimate prize has remained tantalizingly out of reach. After securing three consecutive runner-up finishes, the franchise entered the 2026 cycle with a bold vision to reshape its identity and finally bridge the gap between excellence and championship glory. This strategic shift began with the tough decision to move on from a legendary leadership era of Meg Lanning , prioritizing a core that resonates more deeply with the local fan base.
Delhi Capitals officially named World Cup winner as their new captain for the 2026 WPL season
In a landmark announcement on Tuesday, DC officially named India star Jemimah Rodrigues as their new captain for the 2026 season. The 25-year-old takes over from Australian icon Lanning, who led the side to three finals but was released ahead of the mega auction as the franchise sought an Indian face for the top job.
Jemimah, who was DC’s first-ever signing in the inaugural WPL auction, has scored 507 runs in 27 matches at a strike rate of 139.66 and has been a cornerstone of the team’s locker room culture. Her appointment follows a “dream year” in international cricket, headlined by her historic unbeaten 127 in the 2025 ODI World Cup semi-final against Australia. The franchise on December 14, orchestrated an emotional reveal during a fake “fan meet,” where Jemimah was surprised with videos of her family and childhood coach before being presented with her customized captaincy jersey.
“It is an absolute honour to be named captain of the Delhi Capitals, and I am deeply grateful to the owners and the support staff for placing their faith in me to lead this team. It has truly been a dream year for me and my family, winning the World Cup and now being entrusted with this wonderful opportunity at a franchise that has held a very special place in my heart since the very first season of the WPL. We are gonna win this year. That’s the change I want to bring. Credit to Meg, too, for the way she has led the team over the last three years and the culture she has set for the team. She has inspired me and I have to owe that credit to her. I have learned so much over the last three years and shared some of my best moments here, and I can’t wait to finally cross that line that has eluded us.” Jemimah was quoted as saying Delhi Capitals official website.
Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal on the leadership shift
Delhi co-owner Parth Jindal clarified that the decision to appoint Jemimah was driven by a clear organizational philosophy to empower Indian leadership. Despite the presence of high-profile overseas stars like Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp, Jindal emphasized that the franchise wanted a leader who could foster a deep connection with the domestic players and the Indian supporters.
During the mega auction, DC remained disciplined in their strategy, building a squad designed to support a young Indian captain while adding tactical depth through signings like Sneh Rana and Chinelle Henry. Jindal noted that Jemimah’s “magical” performances on the world stage, combined with her years of service as Lanning’s deputy, made her the undeniable choice to lead the next cycle. The management believes that her boundless energy and newfound maturity as a World Cup winner are the exact ingredients needed to turn their streak of finals into a trophy.
“Jemimah has been with us since Day one, and there was never any doubt that she would one day captain the team. Beyond her on-field heroics, her infectious smile and boundless energy have made her a much-loved presence in the dressing room, and I am confident she will lead the squad exceptionally well. We are very clear that we would like to have an Indian as the captain. Laura (Wolvaardt) will add a lot of leadership into the dressing room, but we are clear that we want to go with an Indian captain. Her magical innings against Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final was truly inspiring, and we are immensely proud to have her represent Delhi Capitals and now lead the team. I wish her the very best as she starts this new chapter, and I am certain she will excel in this role and help us cross the line after three consecutive finals.” Jindal said.
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Delhi Capitals’ WPL 2026 blueprint
The new-look Delhi Capitals squad for 2026 has been meticulously crafted to complement Jemimah’s aggressive but calculated style of play. While Lanning has moved on to the UP Warriorz, DC successfully retained their ‘spine,’ consisting of Shafali Verma, Marizanne Kapp and Annabel Sutherland, each at ₹2.2 crore. The WPL 2026 auction addition of Laura Wolvaardt for ₹1.10 crore is viewed as one of the best value picks of the season, providing a stable opening partner for Shafali. By bringing in domestic veterans like Sneh Rana, DC have ensured that Jemimah has an experienced ‘leadership group’ to consult on the field. The squad now features more than six viable bowling options and a batting order that runs deep, addressing the explosiveness that the management felt was lacking in previous seasons. With a core that has already experienced the pressure of three finals and the confidence of a World Cup victory, the 2026 Capitals appear more balanced than ever before.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
