Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues is set to be officially announced as the new captain of Delhi Capitals Women ahead of the fourth season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL 2026). The formal announcement is expected on Tuesday, December 23.
This move marks a new chapter for the Delhi-based franchise, which has decided to hand over leadership to an Indian player after parting ways with former captain Meg Lanning.
Why Delhi Capitals Chose Jemimah Rodrigues as Captain
The decision to promote Rodrigues did not come as a surprise. She has been part of Delhi Capitals’ leadership group since the first season and was also the vice-captain of the side.
Delhi Capitals entered the WPL 2026 cycle with a clear plan:
- Release Meg Lanning for the new two-year cycle
- Build the team around a strong Indian core
- Appoint an Indian player as captain
During the WPL 2026 mega auction in Delhi, DC co-owner Parth Jindal openly hinted at this plan, stating that the franchise was “very clear” about having an Indian captain.
Rodrigues: A Long-Term Leader in DC’s Vision
From the very start of the WPL, Jemimah Rodrigues has been central to Delhi Capitals’ plans.
- First player bid for by DC in the inaugural WPL auction (2023)
- First retention announced ahead of the WPL 2026 cycle
- Trusted senior figure despite being just in her mid-20s
Her promotion to captaincy now confirms the franchise’s long-term faith in her leadership and consistency.
Delhi Capitals Retained Players for WPL 2026
Here is a look at Delhi Capitals’ retained core before the WPL 2026 auction:
| Player | Country | Retention Price |
|---|---|---|
| Jemimah Rodrigues | India | ₹2.2 crore |
| Shafali Verma | India | ₹2.2 crore |
| Annabel Sutherland | Australia | ₹2.2 crore |
| Marizanne Kapp | South Africa | ₹2.2 crore |
| Niki Prasad | India (U-19) | ₹60 lakh |
Because all retention slots were used, DC did not have a Right To Match (RTM) option at the auction.
Why Meg Lanning Did Not Return to Delhi Capitals
With no RTM card available, Delhi Capitals were unable to bring back former skipper Meg Lanning, who was eventually bought by UP Warriorz for ₹1.9 crore at the auction.
Once Lanning moved on, Jemimah Rodrigues’ promotion became the most logical and expected step for the franchise.
Jemimah Rodrigues’ Recent World Cup Heroics
Rodrigues’ leadership credentials were further strengthened by her stunning performance in India’s maiden Women’s World Cup triumph in 2025.
- Scored a match-winning 127* against Australia
- Led India to a record 340-run chase in the semifinal
- Played a key role in the final, where India defeated South Africa
Her calm mindset, big-match temperament, and ability to guide younger players stood out throughout the tournament.
Jemimah Rodrigues’ Record for Delhi Capitals (WPL)
Jemimah has been one of the most consistent performers for DC across three seasons.
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | 24 | 507 | 28.16 | 139.66 |
She is the only DC player to feature in all matches across the three-year WPL cycle.
What Jemimah’s Captaincy Means for DC in WPL 2026
- Clear Indian leadership identity
- Stability for the next two-year cycle
- Strong link between senior internationals and young Indian players
- Focus on building a future-ready squad
With experienced names like Kapp and Sutherland alongside rising stars like Shafali Verma and Niki Prasad, Jemimah Rodrigues will have a balanced squad to work with.
Read more: Fastest 1,000 Runs in Women’s ODI
Summary
The appointment of Jemimah Rodrigues as Delhi Capitals captain reflects the franchise’s belief in Indian leadership and long-term planning. Backed by experience, form, and trust from management, Rodrigues now steps into her biggest role yet as DC aim to finally lift their first WPL title in 2026.
