With the fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League fast approaching, Delhi Capitals have wasted little time in shifting into preparation mode.
The JSW and GMR co-owned franchise has begun its pre-season build-up with an intensive training camp in Goa, setting the tone for another campaign in which expectations remain high after three consecutive appearances in the final.
The early phase of the camp has already brought together a strong core of the squad. Among the first to arrive were experienced international campaigners Marizanne Kapp and Lizelle Lee, two players who bring not just quality but leadership into the group. Lee arrives fresh from a key role in Hobart Hurricanes’ recent Women’s Big Bash League title win, while Kapp’s all-round pedigree continues to make her one of the most influential figures in women’s cricket globally.
Joining them in Goa were wicketkeeper-batter Taniyaa Bhatia, England’s Lucy Hamilton, and a group of Indian players keen to make their mark this season, including Niki Prasad, Minnu Mani, Mamatha Madiwala, Deeya Yadav and Nandni Sharma. The mix of seasoned internationals and emerging domestic talent underlines Delhi Capitals’ consistent approach to squad building balancing experience with development.
The camp is being overseen by head coach Jonathan Batty, who has been central to shaping Delhi Capitals’ identity since the inception of the WPL. With several Indian national team players set to link up with the squad following the conclusion of India’s series against Sri Lanka, the coaching staff has used the initial days to lay foundations rather than push intensity too early.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
Batty emphasised the importance of this phase, noting that pre-season camps are as much about clarity and cohesion as they are about fitness. He highlighted the opportunity to integrate new faces into the team’s philosophy, while also taking advantage of Goa’s favourable weather conditions. According to Batty, once the full squad assembles, the focus will shift to sharpening tactical elements before the team moves to Mumbai to begin its season.
From a franchise perspective, continuity has been a defining feature of Delhi Capitals’ success in the WPL so far. Sunil Gupta, CEO of the franchise, described the team environment as one that players enjoy returning to, likening it to a family setting. That culture, he believes, has played a significant role in Delhi Capitals reaching the final in each of the first three editions of the tournament.
Gupta underlined that the pre-season camp is where bonding and hard work intersect. With new players joining the setup, the camp offers a valuable window to build relationships, align expectations and set standards. Goa, he noted, has become an ideal location for such preparations, allowing the group to strike the right balance between intensity and recovery.
Delhi Capitals’ record in the Women’s Premier League speaks for itself. Since becoming one of the five founding teams in 2023, the franchise has been a model of consistency, finishing runners-up in all three editions. While the elusive title has so far remained just out of reach, their sustained presence at the business end of the tournament reflects a stable structure and a clear long-term vision.
As the WPL grows in competitiveness, that consistency will be tested more than ever. The upcoming season promises stronger squads across the board, greater tactical depth and higher expectations from fans. For Delhi Capitals, the challenge is to convert their familiarity with finals into the final step of lifting the trophy.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
The immediate focus, however, remains firmly on preparation. Fitness conditioning, skill refinement and tactical drills will gradually ramp up once the full squad is in place. With the tournament opener looming, every session in Goa carries significance — not just in shaping form, but in reinforcing the habits that have defined Delhi Capitals’ approach since the WPL’s inception.
Delhi Capitals will begin their WPL 2026 campaign with a high-profile clash against Mumbai Indians on January 10 in Navi Mumbai, a fixture that immediately sets the tone for their season. As three-time finalists, they enter the new edition with both confidence and unfinished business.
The images released from the first training session offer an early glimpse into a group that looks focused and unified. For Delhi Capitals, the journey towards another title challenge has begun not with noise or declarations, but with quiet, purposeful work a familiar path for a franchise that has made consistency its trademark in the Women’s Premier League.
