Delhi Capitals are preparing for a major leadership shift ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, with India’s ODI World Cup-winning star Jemimah Rodrigues set to be appointed as the franchise’s new captain.
The move follows the exit of long-time skipper Meg Lanning, who joined UP Warriorz at the recent auction, and signals a clear transition towards an Indian-led core for the Capitals. At 25, Rodrigues is expected to officially take over the role in the coming weeks.
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A natural successor after Lanning’s exit
Rodrigues has been part of Delhi Capitals’ leadership group since the inception of the WPL and has served as vice-captain for multiple seasons. With Meg Lanning no longer in the setup, the franchise saw continuity and familiarity as key factors in its decision.
While South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt was also in contention following her impressive international leadership record, Delhi ultimately opted to back an Indian face for the top job.
Franchise co-owner Parth Jindal has previously made it clear that the team wanted an Indian captain to lead the next phase of the Capitals’ journey.
World Cup heroics strengthen her case
Rodrigues’ elevation comes on the back of a sensational run on the global stage. She was one of the standout performers in India’s maiden Women’s ODI World Cup triumph in 2025, playing a decisive role in the semifinal against Australia.
Her unbeaten 127 in a historic 340-run chase not only knocked Australia out of the tournament but also cemented her status as one of the game’s biggest big-match players. India went on to defeat South Africa in the final, with Rodrigues finishing the tournament as one of the faces of the title-winning campaign.
Central to Delhi Capitals’ long-term vision
The Capitals’ faith in Rodrigues is not new. She was the first player the franchise ever bid for at the inaugural 2023 auction and once again topped their retention list for the new two-year cycle.
Delhi retained a strong core around her, including Shafali Verma, Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, and South African veteran Marizanne Kapp—each picked up for ₹2.2 crore. U-19 World Cup-winning captain Niki Prasad was also retained, underlining the franchise’s focus on youth and leadership depth.
Delhi did attempt to bring Lanning back at the auction but were outbid by UP Warriorz for ₹1.9 crore, with no Right to Match card available to block the move.
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Delhi Capitals WPL squad at a glance
The Capitals head into the new season with a balanced mix of proven internationals and domestic talent:
Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp, Niki Prasad, Laura Wolvaardt (₹1.10 crore), Chinelle Henry (₹1.30 crore), Shree Charani (₹1.30 crore), Sneh Rana (₹0.50 crore), Lizelle Lee (₹0.30 crore), Deeya Yadav (₹0.10 crore), Taniyaa Bhatia (₹0.30 crore), Mamatha Madiwala (₹0.10 crore), Nandni Sharma (₹0.20 crore), Lucy Hamilton (₹0.10 crore), Minnu Mani (₹0.40 crore).
A new era for the Capitals
If confirmed, Rodrigues’ appointment will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League. With a World Cup-winning batter at the helm and a settled core around her, the Capitals will hope the leadership change finally pushes them over the line in their WPL title pursuit.
