As the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 approaches, the Delhi Capitals are preparing for another attempt at the coveted championship. With two consecutive second place finishes in the last two seasons, the Capitals are keen to finish one better this year. A vital member of the team and star batter Jemimah Rodrigues is confident that her side can win the trophy this time around.
The 24-year-old batter is well-known for her adaptability and skillful stroke play, and she has been putting in the hard yards in practice sessions to replicate match circumstances. Her efforts to improve her ability to control an innings and power-hitting drills demonstrate her dedication to making a valuable contribution during the tournament’s high-stress situations.
Currently in Pune for the team’s preseason training camp, Rodrigues spoke of her optimism and hope. “We have been very good and consistent in the last two seasons as a team. Of course, there’s this one final, which I’m sure we will cross, and get our hands on the trophy, but we have been doing the right things. There are some days when you can’t control the outcome. We have been putting in all our hard work as the DC unit and will keep playing to win,” she stated emphatically.
Rodrigues, 24, has been one of Capitals’ most dependable players and went into detail about her training schedule. “My preparation is pretty simple. Whatever I’m going to face in the match, I’ll try to bring those situations into practice, be it playing aggressively or holding the innings together from one end. There’s also a lot of power-hitting because it’s T20. So, I use the heavy balls which help me get my bat swing faster and give more power,” she explained.
Rodrigues has established himself as a valuable member of the Delhi Capitals with a strong record of 361 runs at an outstanding strike rate of 143.82 in 18 WPL games. Her focus on versatility and aggressive stroke play highlights the strategy she will be using on the pitch this season.
Additionally, Rodrigues discussed how the WPL has changed women’s cricket in India, not only for the players but also for the entire sporting organisation. “Playing among the best in the WPL brings out the best in every player, whether they’re new to international cricket or experienced. The more competitive games we play, the more we are put in that pressure situation, the more it helps us know what to do in such situations. Even the standard in domestic cricket has gone up,” she highlighted.
The WPL’s influence goes beyond the players who compete. The league has greatly raised the bar for domestic women’s cricket in India, providing opportunity and inspiration for a number of up-and-coming players.
Beyond skill development, Rodrigues has seen firsthand how the WPL has greatly increased the sport’s fan base. “The other biggest impact is the fan base. I think because of WPL, and the teams, people have started following the players even more. The craze for women’s cricket in India has gone way up,” she added.
The leadership of Meg Lanning, who is well-known for having been part of seven international championships, winning two World Cups and five World T20 titles, is another important component in Capitals’ campaign. The legendary Australian player has contributed a tactical understanding and competitive advantage that have influenced the team’s aggressive strategy.
The development of Rodrigues’ friendship with Lanning has been one of the most fascinating parts of her journey with the Delhi Capitals. At first unsure of Lanning’s conduct, Rodrigues has subsequently come to greatly respect her guidance and leadership.
The young hitter Rodrigues’ attitude to the game has been greatly influenced by Lanning. The team has gained clarity and confidence under the Australian legend’s leadership, and Rodrigues’ respect for her captain is a testament to the close-knit team spirit.
“I remember before the WPL, we played Australia in the World Cup semis, and I saw her on the field. She’s incredibly competitive with an aggressive mindset, she’s always looking to take the game on and stay positive. That perspective made me question whether she’d be approachable, but when we finally spoke once the WPL started, I realised she is so down-to-earth and friendly. I felt so nice, and realised she might not always express it, but on-field, her mindset is all about aggression and leading the team,” Rodrigues shared.
On February 15, 2025, at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, the Delhi Capitals will kick off their WPL 2025 campaign with a high-stakes matchup against the Mumbai Indians, the winners of the first season. With a talented and experienced team and a persistent Rodrigues anchoring the attack, Capitals will be hoping to end their run of finishing second and win their first WPL championship.
(Quotes sourced from Delhi Capitals press release)
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