Delhi Capitals have appointed 25-year-old Jemimah Rodrigues as their new captain for the 2026 Women’s Premier League season. Taking over from Meg Lanning, who led the franchise to three consecutive finals, Rodrigues enters the role following a career-defining performance in the recent ODI World Cup.
She believes her personal and professional journey has prepared her for this moment. “I genuinely believe in timing,” she said during a virtual media gathering. “Whatever has happened through my journey, the timing has always been perfect. I am prepared.”
Rodrigues is focused on developing an authentic leadership style rather than mimicking her predecessors or peers. While she has observed Lanning’s composure, Harmanpreet Kaur’s front-foot aggression, and Smriti Mandhana’s tactical depth, she intends to blend these traits into her own approach.
“My biggest learning is to find my own style,” Rodrigues explained. She noted that her captaincy would likely be "on the calmer side" but with an aggressive mindset. Having led Mumbai in domestic cricket for years, she also plans to stay deeply involved in field placements and tactical angles, a responsibility she already handles within the national team.
Addressing the "chokers" label that has followed Delhi Capitals after three final losses, Rodrigues drew a parallel with the Indian women's national team’s recent World Cup triumph. She argued that DC has been the most consistent team in the tournament and that persistence eventually yields results.
“Everyone used to call us chokers, the Indian women’s cricket team, but things changed, and I don’t think we changed anything much,” she said. “We just kept working hard and believing... we keep believing that our time is now.”
Rodrigues also emphasized the role of empathy in her leadership, citing her own struggles with mental health and anxiety as a source of strength. She believes these experiences allow her to relate to players on a deeper level, especially during difficult periods.
“Sometimes, as a captain, you can be a little harsh. But when you understand that someone is going through something, you find a way to help them out,” she noted. For Rodrigues, a successful captain is someone who makes their players feel "valued and special" even when they are having a bad day on the field.
Despite having only three half-centuries in her 27-match WPL career, the top-order batter intends to maintain a proactive and high-risk batting style. She believes the added pressure of the captaincy will serve as motivation to improve her own game and think more creatively.
“I feel if the ball is there in my zone to be hit, I will hit it... being proactive and always willing to dominate has always helped me make better decisions,” she explained. Ultimately, she views this WPL season as a vital learning experience that will help her grow as both a player and a leader on the international stage.
