Indian women’s team star batter Jemimah Rodrigues is set to embark on her new journey as the new captain of Delhi Capitals (DC). This announcement came on December 23 (Tuesday), just a few days before the commencement of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026.
The fourth season of WPL, starting on January 09 (Friday), will see Rodrigues replacing the former Australian captain Meg Lanning, who was released ahead of the mega auction last month.
Having played 27 WPL matches, the 25-year-old has been the pillar of the franchise, compiling 507 runs in 26 innings at an average of 28.16 and a strike rate of 139.66.
The 2025 Women’s World Cup winner thanked the Capitals during her recent media interaction with JioHotstar.
Jemimah Rodrigues’ Promise to Delhi Capitals Before WPL 2026
Soon after the official announcement was made, Jemimah Rodrigues opened up with excitement during her conversation with the Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal on JioHotstar:
“Thank You! For my family and me, it has been a dream come true to win the World Cup. And with this new opportunity, I dedicate my thankfulness to the owners and support staff for showing faith in me.
The immense level of trust you have shown me makes me feel good about the new role. Especially, DC holds a special place in my heart for everything they have done for me, and I promise to make my team proud.
Mainly, the trust they have shown me in the role is truly special. Thanks a lot for the honor you have given me. I ensure to adhere to my promise on working hard as usual and with complete dignity and pride, to give the best out of this team.
So far, we have worked together well as a team. It is Meg who truly deserves the credit for the way she led the team in the last three years; it wouldn’t be enough to describe in words. See the culture she brought into the team, which inspired me for the captaincy role, as I have learned a lot from her.
DC focuses on building the best team culture, and I am proud to be a part of it. All I want to do is just carry that energy and move forward to make sure everyone feels safe. A secure feeling outside ensures that they can openly express who they are and give their best for the team. I just want to make sure every player gets valued in the team,” Rodrigues said.
DC Co-Owner Delighted To Appoint Rodrigues as New Captain
Kiran Kumar Grandhi, the co-owner of Delhi Capitals, shared his delight in welcoming Jemimah Rodrigues as the new captain for the forthcoming WPL season:
“Yes! We are pleased to choose Jemimah as the new captain of Delhi Capitals for the upcoming WPL season. She was indeed the first inclusion in the DC squad ahead of the WPL’s inaugural season and accurately aligns with our values.
Jemimah, who featured in all WPL finals, has played a key role in the franchise’s journey so far. We are sure that she can move a step further to elevate the success of the team.
The way she builds relationships with her peers through her vibrant personality and infinite energy makes her a true and natural captain. She would certainly get the support from us as well as the entire coaching staff. Our best wishes to her to start the new role on a positive note. I am sure enough that her leadership skills will guide her to achieve unprecedented heights, just like she has throughout her illustrious career,” Kiran Kumar said.
Delhi Capitals Bold Move Ahead of WPL 2026 Auction
Meg Lanning, who led Delhi Capitals to three WPL finals, fell short of guiding her team to its maiden championship glory. Ahead of the mega auction, the franchise took a bold decision to release its former skipper and retained five key players, which included Jemimah Rodrigues as well.
Rodrigues’ match-winning knock of 127 runs in the Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final against Australia prompted the Capitals to appoint her for the leadership role.
‘We Wanted an Indian Skipper’: Parth Jindal Reveals Facts
Scrutinizing Parth Jindal’s statement at the WPL 2026 auction in the previous month, it becomes clear that the franchise was keen to appoint an Indian captain ahead of the WPL 2026 auction:
“Certainly! We are clear with our stance to prefer an Indian as our new team captain. Since Day 01, Jemimah Rodrigues has been the core player of her team. In addition to her on-field performances, her charismatic smile and unmatched energy make her the most familiar presence in the dressing room. Overall, it’s worth mentioning that she is the perfect candidate to lead the team well,” Jindal said.