Delhi Capitals have moved swiftly to address a key personnel change ahead of the Women’s Premier League 2026, announcing the signing of Australian leg-spinner Alana King as a replacement for all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, who has withdrawn from the tournament due to personal reasons.
The JSW and GMR co-owned franchise confirmed the development on Monday, underlining both its support for Sutherland and its intent to maintain competitive balance going into the new season.
Sutherland’s absence is a significant one for the Capitals. Since joining the franchise, the Australian all-rounder has been a reliable contributor across disciplines, offering control with the ball and depth with the bat. Delhi Capitals, however, have opted for a clear tactical pivot rather than a like-for-like replacement, bringing in one of world cricket’s most in-form spin bowlers in Alana King.
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King arrives in the WPL on the back of an exceptional run at the international level. The 30-year-old recently produced one of the most memorable spells in Women’s Cricket World Cup history, returning figures of 7 for 18 for Australia against South Africa. That performance not only underlined her ability to dismantle strong batting line-ups but also reinforced her reputation as a bowler who thrives under pressure on the biggest stage.
In the shortest format, King has built a reputation for consistency and control. She has represented Australia in 27 T20 Internationals, picking up 27 wickets, a near one-per-match return that highlights her effectiveness in middle overs. Her ability to extract turn, vary her pace, and attack the stumps makes her a valuable asset in T20 cricket, particularly on surfaces that reward spin.
Importantly for Delhi Capitals, King is no stranger to the Women’s Premier League. She previously turned out for UP Warriorz, gaining first-hand experience of Indian conditions and the unique demands of the WPL. That familiarity is expected to ease her transition into the Capitals’ setup, especially as teams continue to adapt to different venues and pitch profiles across the season.
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King was most recently in action in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), representing Perth Scorchers Women. Despite the Scorchers falling just short in the final, finishing runners-up, King enjoyed a solid individual campaign, claiming 12 wickets in 13 matches. Her performances were marked by discipline and tactical awareness, often breaking partnerships and controlling the tempo during crucial phases of the game.
From a strategic perspective, King’s inclusion adds a new dimension to Delhi Capitals’ bowling attack. While Sutherland offered pace and all-round balance, King brings specialist spin quality that could prove decisive, particularly in the latter stages of the tournament when pitches tend to slow down. With spin often playing a central role in Indian conditions, the Capitals’ decision reflects a calculated shift aimed at exploiting those factors more effectively.
Delhi Capitals have also reiterated their support for Annabel Sutherland, respecting her decision to step away from the WPL 2026 due to personal reasons and wishing her the very best. The franchise’s response reflects a growing emphasis within women’s cricket on player well-being and the importance of supporting athletes beyond the field of play.
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The signing of Alana King continues Delhi Capitals’ tradition of building strong, adaptable squads in the Women’s Premier League. Since becoming one of the five founding teams of the WPL in 2023, the Capitals have been a model of consistency, reaching the final in all three editions of the tournament so far. Although they have finished as runners-up each time, their sustained presence at the business end of the competition underlines the franchise’s stability and long-term vision.
Owned jointly by the JSW Group and the GMR Group, Delhi Capitals have been a prominent name in Indian franchise cricket since their inception in 2008, originally as the Delhi Daredevils. The rebranding to Delhi Capitals in 2019 marked a new chapter for the franchise, which reached its maiden IPL final in 2020 and has since established itself as a formidable force in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
As the WPL 2026 approaches, the addition of a proven international performer like Alana King strengthens Delhi Capitals’ credentials once again. Her experience, form, and familiarity with Indian conditions could be pivotal as the team looks to convert consistent final appearances into a long-awaited title.
