Analysing the Delhi Capitals squad for WPL 2026 including Jemimah Rodrigues taking over as captain and the absence of Annabel Sutherland.
Delhi Capitals enter the 2026 Women’s Premier League carrying the weight of unfinished business. Three seasons, three finals, and three runners-up finishes have defined DC’s WPL story so far. Once again, they arrive with a strong league-stage profile and a squad capable of dominating phases, but with familiar questions around balance when it matters most.
This DC squad for WPL 2026 leans heavily on top-order firepower and elite overseas allrounders. Whether that is enough to finally break their title drought will depend on how they solve the structural gaps left behind by key departures.
Where Delhi Capitals Finished Last Season
Delhi Capitals finished runners-up for the third consecutive season in WPL 2025. They topped the league stage, qualified directly for the final, but were once again beaten by Mumbai Indians in the title clash. Despite consistent excellence across the tournament, DC failed to convert dominance into silverware.
What’s New for DC in WPL 2026
The biggest change is leadership after the WPL 2026 auction. Meg Lanning, the captain who led DC to three straight finals, was not retained. Jemimah Rodrigues has taken over as captain, stepping into one of the most demanding leadership roles in women’s franchise cricket.
DC have also been hit by the late withdrawal of Annabel Sutherland, a retained overseas allrounder. Her absence has a direct impact on team balance. Australia legspinner Alana King has been signed as her replacement, while West Indies allrounder Chinelle Henry — bought at the auction — is expected to shoulder a larger role.
At the auction, DC also focused on youth and spin. They bought back left-arm spinner N Shree Charani and added teenage prospects Deeya Yadav and Lucy Hamilton. Off the field, Anagha Deshpande joined as fielding coach, with former India coach Anju Jain added to the support staff.
Delhi Capitals Playing XI for WPL 2026 (Likely)
- Shafali Verma
- Laura Wolvaardt ✈️
- Jemimah Rodrigues (capt)
- Marizanne Kapp ✈️
- Niki Prasad
- Chinelle Henry ✈️
- Taniya Bhatia (wk)
- Sneh Rana
- Shree Charani
- Alana King ✈️
- Nandani Sharma
Delhi Capitals Overseas players for WPL 2026: Wolvaardt, Kapp, Henry, King
Strengths of the DC Squad for WPL 2026
Delhi Capitals’ biggest strength remains their top order.
Shafali Verma and Laura Wolvaardt form one of the most formidable opening combinations in the league, power paired with control. Wolvaardt’s arrival is a near like-for-like replacement for Lanning in terms of role clarity, if not leadership experience. Jemimah Rodrigues at No.3 adds fluency and adaptability, while Marizanne Kapp anchors the middle with both bat and ball.
DC also possess a strong spin group. Shree Charani, Sneh Rana and Alana King give them control through the middle overs, particularly on slower surfaces. With Kapp and Henry providing seam options, DC can tailor their bowling attack based on conditions.
The squad is packed with multi-skilled players, allowing flexibility in batting depth and bowling rotations, at least on paper.
Weaknesses DC Must Address
Annabel Sutherland’s withdrawal creates a significant balance issue.
Without her, DC lose a seam-bowling allrounder who covered multiple roles. This forces compromises elsewhere. Either DC play an extra specialist batter and weaken bowling depth, or rely heavily on Marizanne Kapp and Chinelle Henry to carry the seam workload.
Indian fast bowling is another concern. Having let go of Shikha Pandey, DC are light on experienced Indian seamers. Nandani Sharma is unproven at this level, while Lucy Hamilton — though talented — is inexperienced in Indian conditions.
The middle order also looks thin. If early wickets fall, DC may once again find themselves over-reliant on individual brilliance rather than depth.
Spin-Heavy or Pace-Heavy: DC’s Key Tactical Choice
This is the defining tactical question for Delhi Capitals in WPL 2026.
DC could lean into their strength and go spin-heavy, using Charani, Rana and King together, supported by Kapp and Henry. This approach suits Indian conditions and reduces reliance on inexperienced Indian pacers.
Alternatively, they could try to build a pace-heavy attack around Kapp, Henry and Hamilton, but that increases risk — especially if conditions do not assist seam or if workload management becomes an issue.
Early matches are likely to dictate which route DC commit to.
Players to Watch for DC in WPL 2026
Shafali Verma enters the season with renewed focus. Without Meg Lanning at the other end, her role at the top becomes even more important. Signs of greater restraint in her recent international outings suggest an evolution that could benefit DC in high-pressure games.
Lucy Hamilton is a genuine wildcard. The 19-year-old left-arm seamer has pedigree in the WBBL and youth internationals, but adapting to Indian surfaces will test her quickly.
DC Fixtures WPL 2026
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Jan 10 | Mumbai Indians |
| Jan 11 | Gujarat Giants |
| Jan 14 | UP Warriorz |
| Jan 17 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Jan 20 | Mumbai Indians |
| Jan 24 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Jan 27 | Gujarat Giants |
| Feb 1 | UP Warriorz |
The two matches against Mumbai Indians remain the benchmark for DC’s title credentials.
Final Verdict: Can Delhi Capitals Finally Win the WPL?
This DC squad for WPL 2026 has enough quality to reach the playoffs again. A strong top order, elite overseas allrounders, and a potent spin attack ensure a high baseline.
However, the loss of Sutherland and the transition in leadership mean DC once again walk a fine line. Unless they solve their balance issues decisively, the risk remains that Delhi Capitals could find themselves strong over the season, but vulnerable in the biggest moments, yet again.
