For three seasons of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Delhi Capitals has stayed in the champion’s shadow. To reach the final of the showpiece T20 league every year is a testament to the franchise’s capability and consistency, but to not be rewarded for it with silverware even once must be difficult to digest.

When the tournament’s fourth season commences in Navi Mumbai on Friday, the three-time runner-up will aim to chart a slightly different course that entails finding a way past the final hurdle.

Here’s a quick look at how the squad has shaped up ahead of WPL 2026:

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STRENGTHS

Delhi Capitals’ auction strategy closely mirrored Mumbai Indians’ continuity-first approach, helping the three-time finalist assemble a well-rounded squad. The explosive Shafali Verma is likely to partner the elegant Laura Wolvaardt, the highest run-scorer at last year’s ODI World Cup, giving DC a contrasting opening combination that blends aggression with stability.

Captain Jemimah Rodrigues rounds up the formidable top order, while pace-bowling all-rounders Marizanne Kapp and Chinelle Henry add depth and flexibility to the batting line-up. The Capitals were also smart operators at the auction, re-acquiring N. Shree Charani for Rs. 1.30 crore and bringing in Sneh Rana to bolster experience and control in the spin department.

WEAKNESSES

DC’s bowling depth faces an early test. The absence of Jess Jonassen and Shikha Pandey, who shared 24 wickets last season, strips the attack of control and consistency.

That challenge has been sharpened by Annabel Sutherland’s withdrawal for personal reasons, with Alana King named as her replacement. Beyond personnel, DC must also solve a familiar problem: turning three finals in three seasons into a long-awaited maiden title.

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PLAYER TO WATCH OUT FOR – JEMIMAH RODRIGUES

Jemimah has looked a more assured batter since her match-winning, unbeaten century against Australia in the World Cup semifinal last year.

Now the team’s captain, she has the chance to end DC’s title drought. She showed encouraging signs during India’s home T20I series against Sri Lanka, displaying her trademark late cuts and an improved ability to shift gears at No. 3 while striking at 140 and averaging over 50. If that form carries over, Jemimah could once again set the tone for DC’s campaign.

SQUAD FOR WPL 2026

Jemimah Rodrigues (C), Shafali Verma, Alana King, Marizanne Kapp, Niki Prasad, Laura Wolvaardt, Chinelle Henry, Shree Charani, Sneh Rana, Lizelle Lee, Deeya Yadav, Taniyaa Bhatia, Mamatha Madiwala, Nandni Sharma, Lucy Hamilton, Minnu Mani

Published on Jan 08, 2026