Delhi Capitals have featured in all three Women’s Premier League (WPL) finals since the competition began, a remarkable record of consistency. Yet, despite their dominance on the league stage, the cherished WPL trophy continues to remain just out of reach. As another season approaches, the franchise has announced its retained players list ahead of the highly anticipated WPL 2026 mega auction, set for November 27 in New Delhi.
After finishing as runners-up in 2025, Delhi have chosen to keep faith in their established core, retaining five players for a combined sum of Rs 9.30 crore. The list includes star Indian trio of Jemimah Rodrigues, Niki Prasad, and Shafali Verma, South African veteran Marizanne Kapp, and Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland. The balance of international experience and youthful Indian energy sets the Capitals up well to challenge again in 2026.
Delhi Capitals Retained Players:
- Jemimah Rodrigues (Rs 2.20 crore)
- Shafali Verma (Rs 2.20 crore)
- Annabel Sutherland (Rs 2.20 crore)
- Marizanne Kapp (Rs 2.20 crore)
- Niki Prasad (Rs 50 lakh)
With these retentions, Delhi will head into the auction armed with a purse of Rs 5.70 crore. The management now has enough financial flex to plug key gaps and strengthen its squad structure ahead of the new season.
Delhi Capitals have retained all five of their players ahead of the WPL 2026 mega auction, exhausting their full retention limit. As a result, the franchise will have no Right to Match (RTM) card available during the auction.
The biggest talking point, however, is the release of former Australian skipper Meg Lanning, who had captained Delhi to three consecutive finals. Lanning’s leadership, calm demeanor, and tactical acumen were central to the Capitals’ early success, making her departure both surprising and emotional for fans.
Over her career in the WPL, Lanning has played 27 matches, scoring 952 runs at a strike rate of 127. She was among the standout performers in the 2025 season, recording the third highest individual score of 92, three half centuries, and the second most in hitting fours.
Speaking about the retention, Parth Jindal, Co-owner of Delhi Capitals and Founder of JSW Sports, said, “Letting go of players from such a consistent, high-performing squad is never easy, but that’s the challenge of a mega auction. Although we narrowly missed lifting the trophy, we’re immensely proud of what this group has achieved in the first three seasons.”
Under Lanning’s guidance, Delhi nurtured a fearless batting culture built on aggression and belief. But as the team turns its gaze toward the future, the baton seems to be passing to India’s next generation. With Jemimah Rodrigues’ reliability and Shafali Verma’s attacking flair, the Capitals are likely to lean more on their homegrown firepower heading into the new season.
Jemimah has been one of Delhi’s most consistent performers, scoring 507 runs in 27 matches at a strike rate of 139.66, including the best of 69 not out. Shafali, meanwhile, has been a dominant force at the top, amassing 865 runs from 27 matches at a blistering strike rate of 162.59. She struck the second most sixes in WPL 2025 with 16 and finished fourth overall in the season’s run charts with 304 runs, showcasing her ability to set the tone early.
The retention of seasoned allrounders Marizanne Kapp and Annabel Sutherland provides crucial balance and flexibility to the side. Kapp’s world-class versatility makes her an asset in both power plays and death overs. Across 24 WPL matches, she has scored 362 runs and claimed 28 wickets, including the best bowling performance of 5 for 15.
Sutherland, equally effective, has played 17 matches, collecting 150 runs and 13 wickets, with best bowling figures of 3 for 34 underlining her steady contribution in both departments. Meanwhile, the inclusion of 20-year-old Niki Prasad highlights the franchise’s intent to invest in youthful Indian talent. Prasad, who has scored 78 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 118.18, displays as a promising face.
As Delhi Capitals prepare for another chapter, the objective is clear, convert consistency into triumph. With a strong retained core and a strategic auction purse, the franchise will once again aim to cross the final frontier and lift their maiden WPL title in 2026.
Delhi Capitals Released players:
Meg Lanning, Sneha Deepthi, Alice Capsey, Arundhati Reddy, Jess Jonassen, Minnu Mani, N Charani, Shikha Pandey, Nandini Kashyap, Sarah Bryce, Taniyaa Bhatia, Radha Yadav, Titas Sadhu
Loves all things female cricket