The Delhi Capitals enter the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction with a familiar challenge and a slightly altered squad structure. After finishing runners-up in each of the first four editions, DC have retained the core of their campaign around captain Jemimah Rodrigues, but the departures of Lizelle Lee, Alana King, Sneh Rana and Taniya Bhatia have created clear vacancies in the batting, wicket-keeping and spin departments.
With the fifth edition scheduled from 14 January to 7 February 2027 and the auction set for 28 October in Kochi, Delhi’s priority will be to add balance without disrupting the identity that has taken them to four consecutive finals.
Jemimah Rodrigues’s first season as captain brought another runners-up finish. Having succeeded the legendary Meg Lanning, who led DC to the final in the tournament’s first three editions, the dynamic Indian top-order batter carried considerable responsibility. She responded impressively, guiding Delhi to the final on 5 February 2026, where they lost to Smriti Mandhana’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets. That result extended Delhi’s remarkable record of finishing second in every WPL season, while RCB secured their second title after also winning the 2024 edition. Mumbai Indians remain two-time champions, lifting the trophy in 2023 and 2025.
A strong core remains
Delhi have retained Annabel Sutherland, Chinelle Henry, Deeya Yadav, Jemimah Rodrigues, Laura Wolvaardt, Lucy Hamilton, Mamatha Madiwala, Marizanne Kapp, Minnu Mani, N Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Niki Prasad and Shafali Verma with a remaining purse of 1.10 CR. The group retains significant experience, international quality and tactical flexibility.
The top order still possesses enormous potential through Shafali, Wolvaardt and Jemimah, while Sutherland, Kapp and Henry provide all-round depth. Nandani Sharma is another important asset after emerging as DC’s leading wicket-taker in the previous edition. The 25-year-old Indian pacer claimed 17 wickets at an average of 18.58 and an economy rate of 8.31 in 10 innings, including a five-wicket haul. She finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker of the tournament alongside Gujarat Giants’ Sophie Devine.
She also went on to make her International debut for India in a T20I on 28th May 2026 against England at Chelmsford. Since then, she has picked up 17 wickets at an average of 17.17 and an economy of 7.09 in 14 innings and matches with the ball for her side in the format so far.
However, Delhi will need to replace the production lost at the top. Lizelle Lee was their leading run-scorer and the tournament’s fourth-highest run-getter, scoring 320 runs at a strike rate of 139.13 and an average of 32 in 10 innings. Her two half-centuries, combined with her aggressive opening partnership with Shafali, gave the Capitals early momentum throughout the 2026 campaign.
Wicket-keeping is an immediate need
With Lee and Taniya Bhatia released, Mamatha Madiwala is currently the only wicket-keeper in the retained squad. That makes the role one of Delhi’s most urgent auction requirements.
Nandini Kashyap could offer a familiar solution. The 22-year-old was part of Delhi’s squad in the 2025 edition but did not receive an opportunity to demonstrate her ability. Scotland vice-captain Sarah Bryce is another attractive option. Bryce previously represented DC in 2025, scoring 60 runs at a strike rate of 150 and an average of 15 across five innings in nine matches. Her ability to keep wicket and contribute in the top or middle order would give Jemimah an additional tactical choice.
Middle-order power and spin depth
Delhi are also likely to target greater stability and firepower in the middle order. South Africa’s 20-year-old Kayla Reyneke could be a compelling fit. Since making her T20I debut against Pakistan at Potchefstroom on 10 February 2026, Reyneke has scored 213 runs at a strike rate of 142 and an average of 35.50 in 12 innings across 16 matches. Her off-spin has taken eight wickets at an average of 21.37 and an economy rate of 7.12. She has also made a promising start in ODIs, scoring 51 runs at a strike rate of 134.21 in two innings and taking two wickets at an economy rate of 6.45. Her power-hitting and dual-skill value could make her particularly useful on Indian pitches.
The release of Alana King and Sneh Rana leaves Delhi short of proven spin resources. Saika Ishaque would therefore be a logical target. The left-arm spinner was one of the breakout performers of the inaugural WPL season and has taken 25 wickets at an average of 21.20 and an economy rate of 7.69 in 23 innings. She has also represented India in three T20Is, claiming five wickets at an average of 16.20.
Parshavi Chopra offers a younger, high-upside alternative. A key member of India’s 2023 Under-19 World Cup-winning campaign under Shafali Verma, Chopra finished as India’s leading wicket-taker and the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker with 11 wickets at an average of seven and an economy rate of 3.66. Although her first WPL season with UP Warriorz brought three wickets in four matches, her leg-spin remains an intriguing long-term investment.
Delhi’s auction strategy should be clear: secure a dependable wicket-keeper, restore middle-order aggression and rebuild the spin attack. With Jemimah now established as captain and a formidable core still intact, the Capitals do not need a complete overhaul. They need the right additions to finally convert four consecutive runners-up finishes into a first WPL championship.
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