Fresh off their World Cup heroics for India, Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma have been retained by the JSW-GMR co-owned Delhi Capitals ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 Mega Auction.
The two young stars, who played pivotal roles in India’s maiden ICC Women’s World Cup triumph last month, will continue to form the backbone of the franchise as it looks to go one step further in the upcoming WPL season. Rodrigues and Verma join Annabel Sutherland, Marizanne Kapp, and Niki Prasad in Delhi Capitals’ retained core, as the three-time finalists enter the next WPL cycle with 13 available slots and a remaining purse of ₹5.70 crore.
Jemimah Rodrigues: “The Team Stands by Each Other No Matter What”
Jemimah Rodrigues, whose unbeaten 127* against Australia in the World Cup semi-final was one of the defining innings of India’s title run, expressed her happiness and gratitude toward the Delhi Capitals setup.
“This team always stands by each other,” Rodrigues said. “Whether we win or lose, we always feel the support and freedom to play our way be it from the owners, the coaching staff, or the management. That’s what makes this franchise so special.”
A pillar of consistency in Delhi’s top order, Rodrigues has been one of the most influential figures since the franchise’s debut in 2023. Known for her adaptability and calm presence under pressure, she has not only contributed runs but also served as a mentor figure for younger players.
“It feels great to be part of a setup that values trust and effort as much as results,” she added. “After the World Cup win, coming back to this family means even more. The environment here pushes us to keep getting better, both as cricketers and as people.”
Shafali Verma: “It’s Always Felt Like Home”
Echoing similar sentiments, Shafali Verma who produced a Player-of-the-Match performance in the World Cup final with a blistering 87 off 78 balls and two crucial wickets spoke about the bond within the Delhi Capitals camp and the comfort she finds in the franchise.
“The team has always felt like a family,” Shafali said. “We’ve had this environment since the first season something that the owners, staff, and management have built together. We want to carry that into 2026.”
Shafali’s aggressive batting style and growing maturity as an all-rounder have made her a key part of the team’s strategy. Her ability to set the tone at the top and contribute with the ball provides Delhi Capitals with a rare dual-threat — one that the franchise is eager to continue building around.
“It’s not just about the cricket here,” Shafali added. “It’s about how much everyone enjoys being part of the journey. That’s what motivates me every season.”
Delhi Capitals’ Core Retentions and Future Vision
Delhi Capitals’ decision to retain Rodrigues, Verma, Sutherland, Kapp, and Prasad reflects the franchise’s philosophy of continuity, balance, and leadership depth. Together, the group offers a mix of experience and youth capable of competing with the best in the world while nurturing emerging Indian talent.
Head Coach Jonathan Batty and Director of Cricket Sarabjit Ladda have both emphasized that the retained players represent the foundation upon which the next phase of Delhi’s WPL campaign will be built. The franchise, which has reached the final in all three seasons so far but is yet to clinch the title, is determined to convert consistency into championship success in 2026.
“This is a core that knows what it takes to win and understands the values we stand for,” a Delhi Capitals spokesperson said. “The leadership of Smriti (Mandhana) and the international experience that Marizanne and Annabel bring complement the spark of Jemimah, Shafali, and Niki. We’re confident that this mix gives us the flexibility and balance we need heading into the mega auction.”
Looking Ahead to the WPL 2026 Mega Auction
With 13 open slots and ₹5.70 crore in the purse, Delhi Capitals enter the WPL 2026 Mega Auction in a strong position to reinforce their already formidable lineup. The team’s focus will likely be on bolstering its bowling attack and adding more Indian domestic depth to complement the established core. The Capitals’ retention strategy also sends a clear message that loyalty and long-term investment in talent remain central to their approach. For players like Rodrigues and Verma, who have grown alongside the franchise, the partnership represents a shared journey of belief and ambition.
“Delhi Capitals has always felt like home,” Jemimah said in a video released by the franchise. “From my first season till now, the support has been unwavering. We’re more than a team we’re a family chasing a dream together.”
“We’ve come close before,” Shafali added with a smile. “Now, it’s time to go all the way.”
As the WPL 2026 Mega Auction approaches later this month, Delhi Capitals stand poised with a stable core, a unified vision, and two of India’s brightest stars Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma ready to lead the charge once again.
Watch the special retention video here: Delhi Capitals Instagram
