JSW-GMR co-owned Delhi Capitals have announced the appointment of India star Jemimah Rodrigues as captain ahead of the 2026 season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
A key figure in the Capitals set-up since the league’s inaugural season where she was the franchise’s first pick at the auction for Rs 2.2 crore. The 25-year-old recently played a starring role in India’s ICC Women’s World Cup triumph. Her unbeaten 127 guided India to a remarkable, world-record chase of 339 against Australia in the semi-final.
Rodrigues has featured in 27 WPL matches for Delhi Capitals, scoring 507 runs at an impressive strike rate of 137.67. She has appeared in all three finals across the league’s three editions. Renowned for her energy and intensity on the field, Rodrigues has been a constant source of vibrancy, bringing enthusiasm, positivity and an infectious smile that has helped her forge a strong connection with Delhi Capitals supporters and fans of the Indian women’s team, according to a media release.
Rodrigues brings vast international experience to the leadership role. She has represented India in 112 T20 Internationals, scoring 2,375 runs at an average of 30.06, with 13 half-centuries to her credit. In the 50-over format, she has featured in 59 ODIs, amassing 1,749 runs, including three centuries and eight half-centuries.
Delhi Capitals will begin their WPL 2026 campaign against Mumbai Indians in the opening fixture of the season, scheduled for 10 January 2026 in Navi Mumbai.
Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal said, “Jemimah has been with us since Day one, and there was never any doubt that she would one day captain the team. Beyond her on-field heroics, her infectious smile and boundless energy have made her a much-loved presence in the dressing room, and I am confident she will lead the squad exceptionally well. Her magical innings against Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final was truly inspiring, and we are immensely proud to have her represent Delhi Capitals and now lead the team. I wish her the very best as she starts this new chapter with us, and I am certain she will excel in this role and help us cross the line after three consecutive finals.”
Delhi Capitals chairman and co-owner Kiran Kumar Grandhi expressed, “We are delighted to appoint Jemimah as the captain of the Delhi Capitals for the WPL. She was the first name in the DC squad when the WPL began, and perfectly embodies our values. Jemimah has played a pivotal role in the franchise’s journey, featuring in all three finals, and we are confident she can take us that one step further. Her lively personality, endless energy as well as her natural flair in building relationships with her peers, makes her a natural leader. She has the full support from us and the coaching staff, and I wish her the very best in this new role. I am confident she will continue to achieve great things, just as she has throughout her career.”
Rodrigues added, “It is an absolute honour to be named captain of the Delhi Capitals, and I am deeply grateful to the owners and the support staff for placing their faith in me to lead this team. It has truly been a dream year for me and my family, winning the World Cup and now being entrusted with this wonderful opportunity at a franchise that has held a very special place in my heart since the very first season of the WPL. I have learned so much over the last three years and have shared some of my best moments with the Delhi Capitals. This team is my family. While I will miss the players who were part of our journey in the first cycle, I am excited to create new memories with both familiar faces and new teammates. We have a strong group, and I can’t wait to get going as we look ahead to what we hope will be a very successful season, and finally cross that line that has eluded us in the last three years.”
