WPL 2026: DC's strongest playing XI ft. Jemimah Rodrigues

Jemimah Rodrigues has replaced Meg Lanning as DC’s new captain for the WPL 2026.

The Delhi Capitals have consistently been a strong contender for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) title. After topping the group stage in all the editions, DC have finished as runners-up in the last three seasons under Meg Lanning.

One of the most successful captains in women’s cricket history, Australia’s Lanning, was not retained by the three-time runner-ups. She has joined UP Warriorz for a price of INR 1.90 crore, while Jemimah Rodrigues has been named the new captain of the team.

With a new approach for the upcoming season, the Capitals will again try to win their first WPL title. Thus, without any further ado, let’s take a look at the Delhi Capitals’ strongest playing XI for WPL 2026.

Strongest Delhi Capitals playing XI for WPL 2026-

Top Order: Shafali Verma, Laura Wolvaardt, and Jemimah Rodrigues (C)

Explosive opening batter Shafali Verma and DC’s new captain Jemimah Rodrigues were retained by the team for INR 2.2 crore each. While Verma will commence the Capitals’ innings, she will be joined by South African batter Laura Wolvaardt. The 26-year-old has been part of the tournament since its inaugural edition.

In the three seasons, Wolvaardt has played for Gujarat Giants, scoring 342 runs in 13 innings. Jemimah Rodrigues, who played a memorable unbeaten 127-run knock against Australia in the Women’s World Cup semifinal, will bat at the third spot for Delhi.

Middle & Lower Order: Marizanne Kapp, Annabel Sutherland, Chinelle Henry, Taniya Bhatia (WK) and Niki Prasad

Another Proteas star, all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, will help the Capitals with experience, playing at the fourth position. In her three seasons for Delhi, Kapp has taken 28 wickets and scored 362 runs in 24 matches.

Annabel Sutherland, who picked up nine wickets last season, will come at the fifth position, followed by new signing West Indies all-rounder Chinelle Henry. Chinelle Henry has joined the Capitals for a price of INR 1.30 crore ahead of the 2026 WPL.

Indian wicketkeeper batter Taniya Bhatia will play at the seventh position. Bhatia has not been able to perform with her bat for Delhi; however, the new season will be the perfect opportunity.

Delhi retained the Young uncapped batter Niki Prasad, who is expected to improve her performance and play at the eighth position. She’s likely to switch spots with Taniya Bhatia as per the team’s requirements. Additionally, Mamatha Madiwala can also get a chance at Bhatia’s spot.

Bowling attack: Sneh Rana, Shree Charani and Nandini Sharma

While Marizanne Kapp, Annabel Sutherland, and Chinelle Henry will feature with the ball, the department will be led by the likes of Sneh Rana, Shree Charani, and Nandini Sharma.

Rana could become Delhi’s frontline bowler, while Shree Charani will support her with her left-arm spin bowling. Meanwhile, on the page, Nandini Sharma is set to make her top-flight debut.

Delhi Capitals’ playing XI-

Shafali Verma, Laura Wolvaardt, Jemimah Rodrigues (C), Marizanne Kapp, Annabel Sutherland, Chinelle Henry, Taniya Bhatia (WK), Niki Prasad, Sneh Rana, Shree Charani, Nandini Sharma.

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