Delhi Capitals appoint Jemimah Rodrigues captain ahead of WPL 2026

New Delhi: India batter Jemimah Rodrigues has been named captain of the Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season.

The 25-year-old was a key performer in India’s ICC Women’s World Cup triumph, scoring a brilliant unbeaten 127 in the semi-final against Australia during a record chase of 339.

“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,” Rodrigues said in a statement.

“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,” she added.

Rodrigues, Delhi’s first pick in the inaugural WPL auction, has featured in 27 matches for the franchise, scoring 507 runs at a strike rate of 139.67, including appearances in all three finals across the league’s three seasons.

She replaces former Australian captain Meg Lanning, who was released by the franchise ahead of the auction last month.

“I have learned so much over the last three years and have shared some of my best moments with the Delhi Capitals. We have a strong group, and I can’t wait to get going as we look ahead to what we hope will be a very successful season, and finally cross that line that has eluded us in the last three years,” Rodrigues said.

The Indian all-rounder has played 113 T20 internationals, scoring 2,444 runs, including 14 half-centuries, at an average of 30.93. She has also represented India in 59 ODIs, amassing 1,749 runs with three centuries and eight half-centuries.

Delhi Capitals will face Mumbai Indians in their opening match of WPL 2026 on January 10 in Navi Mumbai.