With the deadline for Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 player retention looming on November 7, teams are expected to finalize their list of retained players soon.
As per the retention rules, a team can have a core with a maximum of 18 players, including up to 6 overseas players, while also having the option to include one player from an associate nation in their squad. In this article, we delve into the possible retention of the runners-up of the last two WPL seasons – Delhi Capitals.
Delhi Capitals have been one of the most consistent sides in the Women’s Premier League, making it to the Finals in both editions. However, they have been unable to secure the title, losing to Mumbai Indians in the first season and suffering defeat at the hands of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the second season.
Delhi Capitals Retained & Released List in WPL 2024
Retained Players:
Alice Capsey*, Arundhati Reddy, Jemimah Rodrigues, Jess Jonassen*, Laura Harris*, Marizanne Kapp*, Meg Lanning*, Minnu Mani, Poonam Yadav, Radha Yadav, Shafali Verma, Shikha Pandey, Sneha Deepthi, Taniyaa Bhatia, Titas Sadhu
Released Players:
Aparna Mondal, Jasia Akhter, Tara Norris*
In the second edition of the WPL, Delhi Capitals retained 15 players, including five overseas, and released three players, with Tara Norris being the only overseas player on the release list, while they added the Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, Aparna Mondal & Ashwini Kumari.
Ahead of the third edition of the WPL, Delhi Capitals have a solid core of Indian players who are likely to be retained, such as Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Radha Yadav, and Shikha Pandey, who have been instrumental in the team’s success. Overseas stars like Marizanne Kapp, Alice Capsey, and Jess Jonassen could also be retained, given their all-round contributions. The team is expected to secure their captain, Meg Lanning, who has been steady both as a leader and with the bat. Lanning was the team’s leading run-scorer in both editions and topped the charts in the inaugural WPL season.
The area Delhi Capitals will need to address is wicketkeeping, which has been a challenge in the last two seasons. Strengthening this role could be pivotal, and a promising option is Sarah Bryce, a talented wicketkeeper-batter from Scotland. Bryce, who was the leading run-scorer for Scotland in the ninth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, also impressed in her debut WBBL season with the Sydney Sixers. As a player from an associate nation, Bryce offers the strategic advantage of being included in the playing XI without using up an overseas slot, making her a valuable potential acquisition. The Capitals could also consider domestic options like Nandini Kashyap, who was the leading run-scorer in the Uttarakhand Premier League, or the seasoned Sushma Verma.
The Capitals might also look to add variety to their spin attack, which is crucial on Indian pitches, especially if the spinners can contribute with the bat. They could target New Zealand’s off-spinner Eden Carson, who claimed nine wickets in six matches during an impressive World Cup campaign. Amanda-Jade Wellington, with extensive experience in franchise cricket and the ability to hit big lower down the order, could also be a great addition. Erin Burns, who emerged as the leading run-scorer in the 2024 WCPL with 172 runs and five wickets, presents another all-round option to bolster both departments.
As Delhi Capitals refine their squad, some players might be released. Laura Harris, despite her explosive batting potential, could make way for a more consistent middle-order option. Aparna Mondal, who served as a backup wicketkeeper, could be released as the team looks for a more reliable choice. Ashwani Kumari, who showed flashes of promise, may also be let go as the Capitals seek to bring strategic balance and fresh energy into their squad for the new season.
Likely Retentions by Delhi Capitals women:
Indian Players: Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Radha Yadav, Shikha Pandey, Taniyaa Bhatia, Arundhati Reddy, Minnu Mani, Poonam Yadav, Titas Sadhu
Overseas Players: Meg Lanning, Marizanne Kapp, Alice Capsey, Jess Jonassen, Annabel Sutherland
Likely Releases by Delhi Capitals women:
Laura Harris
Aparna Mondal
Ashwani Kumari
Likely Targets by Delhi Capitals women:
Sarah Bryce
Nandini Kashyap
Uma Chetry
Sushma Verma
Amanda-Jade Wellington
Erin Burns
Eden Carson
* asterisk indicates overseas players
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