Punjab Newsline, Sports :
New captain Jemimah expected to grab the opportunity with both hands; DC well-equipped for title challenge
Ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, veteran South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has expressed strong support for Jemimah Rodrigues, who has been appointed captain of Delhi Capitals (DC). Kapp believes that Jemimah has long been ready for a leadership role and will make the most of this opportunity.
With Meg Lanning, who captained DC in the first three seasons of the WPL, moving to UP Warriorz as skipper, Jemimah will take charge of the Delhi side for the upcoming season starting on January 9. Speaking about the transition, Kapp acknowledged that losing a leader like Lanning is a big change, given her success as a captain in world cricket. However, she stressed that Jemimah possesses natural leadership qualities that make her an ideal choice.
According to Kapp, Jemimah’s personality, her caring nature, and her ability to bring players together stand out. She added that Jemimah has always been a leader within the group, even without the captain’s armband. The presence of several senior and experienced players in the squad, along with a stable management setup, will further support Jemimah as she begins her captaincy journey.
Delhi Capitals have reached the WPL final in all three previous seasons but have fallen short of lifting the trophy each time. Addressing this, Kapp said it would be unfair to label it as an inability to handle pressure. She pointed out that factors such as bad luck, challenging pitch conditions, and not delivering their best performance on the final day played a role in those near-misses.
The DC squad has been strengthened by the presence of international stars like Laura Wolvaardt, Lizelle Lee, Alana King, and Chinelle Henry. Kapp praised the team environment, calling it one of the best she has experienced in any league cricket. She highlighted the positive atmosphere and the way players are treated within the franchise.
Kapp also underlined the importance of the WPL in the growth of women’s cricket, stating that the league has significantly contributed to improving players’ confidence, aggression, and mental toughness. She concluded by saying that although Indian conditions can be challenging, especially for fast bowlers, pace bowlers continue to play a crucial role in winning matches, particularly during the powerplay and death overs.