Kapp Backs Jemimah Rodrigues as Delhi Capitals Captain, Sees New Era for WPL 2026

New Delhi, Jan 2025 : Veteran South African seam-bowling all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has thrown her full weight behind the appointment of Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues as the new captain of Delhi Capitals (DC) for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, describing her as a natural leader who has long shown the qualities required to guide a team at the highest level.

With former skipper Meg Lanning moving on to take charge of UP Warriorz after leading DC through the first three editions of the WPL, the leadership baton has now passed to Jemimah. The new season begins on January 9, marking a fresh chapter for the franchise that has consistently been among the tournament’s strongest sides.

Speaking during a select virtual media interaction on Monday, Kapp acknowledged the significance of Lanning’s departure while expressing complete confidence in her successor. “I’m not going to lie, losing Meg as a captain is obviously a big thing. She’s a very successful captain, not only for DC but in world cricket in general,” Kapp said. “But I actually mentioned a couple of years ago that if you’re looking at future leadership, Jemimah is someone who stands out.”

Kapp explained that Jemimah’s leadership credentials go beyond tactics and statistics. According to her, the Indian batter’s personality, empathy and ability to connect with teammates make her a unifying presence in the dressing room. “She’s one of those players who can bring a team together just with who she is. There’s a caring factor, and she’s always been a leader in her own way,” Kapp noted.

The South African all-rounder also highlighted that Jemimah will not be navigating her new role alone. DC’s squad continues to feature a strong core of experienced international players and a stable support staff, which she believes will ease the transition. “Every captain, even the most experienced ones, faces challenges. Jemimah has senior players around her, the management is the same, and many of us have been part of this setup before,” she said. “If there are tough moments, there’s plenty of support. I genuinely believe she’ll grab this opportunity with both hands and be very successful.”

Delhi Capitals’ journey in the WPL has been marked by consistency and heartbreak in equal measure. The franchise has reached the final in all three seasons so far but is yet to lift the trophy. Reflecting on those near-misses, Kapp dismissed the idea that pressure alone was responsible for the defeats. Instead, she pointed to a mix of circumstances, conditions and missed opportunities on the biggest stage.

“Every game comes with pressure. I don’t think finals are any different in that sense,” she explained. “In the first season, we lost wickets to full tosses that on another day could easily have been no-balls. In the second year, we played on an extremely slow wicket that didn’t suit our pace-heavy attack or our batters. It’s been a mix of bad luck and us not having our best day in the final.”

Kapp added that DC’s overall performances across seasons show that the team has consistently handled pressure well. “We’ve played really good cricket for three years. It’s not about coping with pressure; it’s about execution on the day.”

The presence of fellow South Africans Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee has further strengthened the DC lineup this season, and Kapp said their inclusion has added to an already positive team culture. “I was so excited for them to experience this environment. The DC setup is probably the best I’ve played in across leagues. The players, the management, the way we’re treated – it’s all next level,” she said.

She also mentioned the seamless integration of other international recruits such as Alana King and Chinelle Henry. “These are players we know well, and everyone has fitted in so easily. The environment makes it enjoyable to come to training every day, and that matters a lot over a long tournament.”

Beyond DC, Kapp spoke passionately about the broader impact of the WPL on women’s cricket, particularly in India. She linked the league’s success to India’s recent historic ODI World Cup triumph, describing it as evidence of how professional leagues accelerate development. “People don’t always realise how important leagues like the WPL are. India winning the World Cup shows the impact it has had on women’s cricket and Indian cricket as a whole,” she said.

On a personal level, Kapp credited the WPL with helping her evolve as a batter, especially in terms of intent and aggression. Batting lower down the order often means limited time at the crease, a challenge she believes the league has helped her address. “You have to make every ball count. My role has forced me to be more aggressive, and that’s definitely an area where I’ve grown,” she explained.

She also spoke about the mental toughness required to succeed in Indian conditions, particularly as a fast bowler. “It’s not easy bowling in India. You’re under pressure because batters come hard at you. You have to accept that you might go for runs and still stay in the fight,” Kapp said, adding that these challenges build resilience both on and off the field.

Despite spin-friendly conditions, Kapp emphasised that fast bowlers continue to play a decisive role in the WPL. “Spinners are important, no doubt, but pace bowlers often win you matches because they bowl in the powerplay and at the death – the toughest phases of the game,” she said.

As DC embark on another title quest under new leadership, Kapp’s confidence in Jemimah Rodrigues reflects a broader belief within the squad that the team is ready to convert consistency into silverware. With a strong blend of youth, experience and stability, the 2026 season promises to be a defining one for both the franchise and its new captain.