WPL 2026: Can Delhi Capitals break the jinx in their fourth attempt?

If there is one franchise in the Women's Premier League (WPL) which should have won a title by now it is the Delhi Capitals (DC). Despite topping the group stages and making it to the finals in all the three previous seasons, success has eluded the Capitals.

The squad has undergone tweaks for the fourth season. Inarguably, the biggest one is the release of Meg Lanning who led the team until now. Jemimah Rodrigues, who was the vice-captain, has been appointed as the full-time captain for the 2026 season.

Let us now take a look at the squad and its SWOT analysis -

Strengths

Rock-solid top order

DC are most likely to open with Shafali Verma and Laura Wolvaardt. Not just the WPL the duo are established names in the international arena as well.

Verma's ODI career witnessed a revival recently when she was selected to replace the injured Pratika Rawal for the knockouts of the Women's World Cup 2025. Notably, the 21-year-old played a match-winning innings of 87 off 78 in the final against South Africa.

The Haryana cricketer carried the form into the recently concluded Sri Lanka T20I series at home. Verma was the top run-getter with 241 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 181.20. The swashbuckling opener's WPL record is admirable too - 865 runs from 27 innings scored at a strike rate of 162.59.

The South African captain Wolvaardt is also in a rich-vein of form of late. The 26-year-old star batter scored two centuries against Ireland in an ODI series and one in the T20I series at home. The right-hander has played for Gujarat Giants in the WPL so far and this is her first season for the Capitals. The opening batter has a decent WPL record which includes three fifties from 13 innings.

High-quality all-rounders

The Capitals boast an impactful set of all-rounders in Marizanne Kapp, Sneh Rana and newcomer Alana King. The trio have delivered a number of match-winning performances for both their national and franchise teams.

Though Kapp has not been at her best recently the 36-year-old's experience always comes in handy for her team. Rana had a good outing in the World Cup and is in decent form. The 31-year-old's off-spin would be highly sought-after by Rodrigues.

King is a wizard of spin bowling. The leg spinner has the knack of breaking partnerships and effecting collapses. The Australian would enjoy the spin-friendly conditions and will be a threat, especially at DY Patil Stadium. The 30-year-old is a dependable lower-order batter, too.

Weaknesses

No Lanning, no problem?

Not retaining Lanning, who took the team to the finals of each season, was a surprise. The former Australian captain is a proven batter and leader. The franchise probably intends to groom a young leader who would be a long-term captain. But, filling the shoes of Lanning would be a big task in all aspects.

"The Megastar", as she is called by her former Australian team-mates, has been a prolific run-scorer in the WPL - 952 runs in 27 innings at an average of 39.66 and a strike rate of 127.10 with nine fifties. DC would rely on Wolvaardt to perform the same role as Lanning did.

Inexperienced fast bowling attack

After DC released Indian veteran Shikha Pandey before the auction the responsibility of the pace department fell on Annabel Sutherland and Kapp's shoulders for this season. However, the franchise suffered a blow as the Australian withdrew two weeks prior to the start of the season due to personal reasons.

Kapp would have to lead the attack which comprises uncapped Indian Nandani Sharma and Australian Lucy Hamilton. Rodrigues would also have to look to Chinelle Henry for her part-time medium pace to support the fast bowling group.

Opportunities

Though the team has witnessed a few changes in personnel the availability of talent and experience of the capped players can take DC to heights. Having a new captain in Jemimah Rodrigues is another exciting opportunity. The 25-year-old is a thinking cricketer who could bring in fresh ideas and approaches. If the faith in her pays off the franchise will have a long-term leader in Rodrigues. 

There are a couple of young and promising cricketers - 16-year-old Deeya Yadav who is hard-hitting batter idolising her team-mate Verma, and 19-year-old left-arm fast bowler Hamilton who was the Brisbane Heat's highest wicket-taker (8) in WBBL 2025. The talents provide the X-factor and can be valuable contributors for DC.

Threats

Perhaps the biggest uncertainty or the unknown factor lies in with the uncapped and inexperienced Indian talent. The team would require support, and even lead roles at times, from the young Indian players. Otherwise, there would be heavy reliance on capped and overseas players to win the games for the team.