The Delhi Capitals Women's team is set to begin a fresh chapter in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 under new captain Jemimah Rodrigues. The franchise has handed the leadership reins to the 24-year-old Indian batting star, moving on from the highly successful Australian legend Meg Lanning, who captained the side for the first three seasons of the tournament.
A New Era Begins Under Jemimah's Leadership
Jemimah Rodrigues steps into the captaincy role for a team that has been a consistent powerhouse, reaching the WPL final in every edition so far but falling short of the ultimate prize. The transition marks a significant shift, with Rodrigues acknowledging the profound impact of her predecessor. "I met Meg Lanning, and it felt weird to see her wearing the yellow jersey of the UP Warriorz," Jemimah admitted, reflecting on Lanning's move to a rival franchise. She was quick to credit Lanning for setting the high standards and culture within the Delhi Capitals setup, stating she learned immensely from the Australian and even sought her advice on captaincy.
Rodrigues, who played a pivotal role in India's ICC Women's ODI World Cup victory with a sensational century against Australia in the semi-finals, believes leadership brings out her best. Drawing confidence from her experience leading domestic sides, she is embracing the new challenge with a mix of excitement and nervousness. "I love leading because that extra responsibility brings out my best. My message to the Delhi Capitals is the same. We have played amazing cricket... We just keep working hard and doing the right things, and I know things will fall into place," she added, outlining her positive approach.
High-Voltage Opener Against Defending Champions
The Capitals' campaign kicks off with a blockbuster clash against the defending champions, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians, at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 10, 2026. This fixture is laden with history, reminding DC of their past final heartbreaks against the same opponent. It presents an immediate opportunity for Jemimah and her team to set a commanding tone for the season and chase the one trophy that has narrowly eluded them.
Head coach Jonathan Batty expressed strong optimism about the squad's composition and preparation following a productive pre-season camp in Goa. "It's really nice to have a lot of familiar faces back in the squad from the last few years, and at the same time, it's been great to bring in some fresh faces who add a new dynamic to the team," Batty said. He emphasized that the preparation period was fantastic, leaving the team feeling positive and ready for action.
Building on a Legacy of Excellence
The Delhi Capitals' strategy revolves around balancing the experience of core players with the energy of new recruits, all united under a new captain. The pre-season camp focused not just on skills but also on team bonding and clarifying roles under Rodrigues's leadership. The franchise is banking on this preparation and unity to bridge the fine margins that often decide WPL matches.
As the team heads into the tournament, the mood is one of confident focus. The challenge for Jemimah Rodrigues is clear: to build upon the formidable culture and legacy established by Meg Lanning while forging her own path to finally guide the Delhi Capitals to the WPL championship title they have been relentlessly pursuing.
