Rodrigues replaces Meg Lanning, who was not retained by Delhi Capitals for the upcoming WPL season

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Jemimah Rodrigues has been named the new captain of Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the fourth season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2026. The 25-year-old India batter takes over the leadership role from former Australia skipper Meg Lanning, who guided DC to the finals in each of the first three WPL editions but was not retained by the franchise this season.

Speaking to DC co-owner Parth Jindal on JioHotstar, Rodrigues expressed her gratitude and pride at being entrusted with the captaincy. She said the faith shown in her felt special and promised to lead the side with dignity, pride and wholehearted commitment. Emphasising team culture, Rodrigues highlighted that Delhi Capitals possess the best environment she has experienced and stressed the importance of making every player feel safe, valued and confident enough to express themselves freely on the field.

Rodrigues also paid rich tribute to Meg Lanning for laying the foundation of a strong team culture at DC. She credited Lanning’s leadership over the past three seasons for inspiring her own journey as a leader and acknowledged the lessons she has learned under the former captain’s guidance.

Having served as vice-captain until last season, Rodrigues emerged as a natural leadership candidate after being retained by DC ahead of the WPL 2026 auction, alongside Marizanne Kapp, Shafali Verma, Annabel Sutherland and Niki Prasad. Notably, Rodrigues was the first player Delhi Capitals bid for at the inaugural WPL 2023 auction and has represented the franchise exclusively since then.

In 27 WPL matches for DC, Rodrigues has scored 507 runs at an average of 28.16, with a highest score of 69. She currently ranks third among DC’s all-time run-scorers in the league, behind Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma, and has played a crucial finisher’s role for the team over the last two seasons.

Parth Jindal praised Rodrigues’ personality and impact, describing her as a player loved across the country for her infectious energy, on-field intensity and ability to lift the team’s spirit both on and off the ground.

Rodrigues is coming off a stellar 2025, finishing as India’s third-highest run-scorer in ODIs and T20Is during the year. She played a pivotal role in India’s historic maiden ODI World Cup triumph, smashing a match-winning unbeaten 127 against Australia in the semi-final before India defeated South Africa in the final.

Delhi Capitals will begin their WPL 2026 campaign against Mumbai Indians on January 10, 2026. Despite topping the league stage in all three previous seasons and reaching the final each time, DC are still chasing their first WPL title under their new captain.