Jemimah Rodrigues has been appointed as the captain of Delhi Capitals ahead of the fourth season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), taking over from Meg Lanning. Lanning had guided the team to the finals in all three previous editions but will not be part of the franchise for the upcoming season.
“For you all to trust me with the role feels amazing,” Rodrigues said in conversation with DC co-owner Parth Jindal on JioHotstar. “DC has always been special to me, and being trusted as captain is an honor. I promise to give my heart for this team with pride, dignity, and hard work.”
Rodrigues emphasized her vision of maintaining a supportive team culture. “One of the best things about DC is the culture it builds. My aim is to ensure that everyone feels safe, because when players feel secure off the field, they can express themselves fully and give everything for the team. Every player must feel valued.”
She also credited Lanning for establishing the strong culture at DC. “We’ve done so well as a team, and much credit goes to Meg for her leadership over the past three years. I’ve learned a lot from her and she has inspired me to take on this role,” Rodrigues added.
The 25-year-old had served as vice-captain last season and was considered a natural candidate for leadership. She was one of five players DC retained ahead of the auction, alongside Marizanne Kapp, Shafali Verma, Annabel Sutherland, and Niki Prasad.
Rodrigues has been integral to DC since the inaugural WPL 2023 auction, having played all 27 matches for the franchise. She has scored 507 runs at an average of 28.16, with a highest score of 69, ranking third in DC’s run-scorers list behind Lanning (952) and Shafali Verma (865). In recent seasons, she has also served as the team’s finisher.
Parth Jindal praised Rodrigues’ personality and energy. “Jemi is loved by the whole country. Her energy, the way she dances on the ground, her intensity while batting, and how she encourages teammates create a vibrant environment both on and off the field,” he said.
Rodrigues has enjoyed a sensational 2025, finishing as India’s third-highest run-scorer in ODIs (771) and T20Is (177). She played a pivotal role in India’s maiden ODI World Cup triumph, scoring an unbeaten 127 in the semi-final against Australia before helping secure victory over South Africa in the final.
Delhi Capitals will kick off their WPL 2026 campaign against Mumbai Indians on January 10. Despite topping the points table in the group stage in all three previous seasons and reaching the final each time, DC have yet to claim the championship.
Rodrigues’ appointment marks a new chapter for the franchise, blending her experience, energy, and leadership skills to guide DC towards their first WPL title while maintaining the culture and values built over the past seasons.
