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Mithali Raj Praises Wolvaardt, Backs Rodrigues as DC Captain for WPL 2026

Former Indian captain Mithali Raj has highlighted the value that batter Laura Wolvaardt brings to the Delhi Capitals squad ahead of the Women's Premier League 2026 season. Raj also discussed the franchise's leadership change, with Jemimah Rodrigues succeeding Meg Lanning as captain. She expressed interest in seeing Rodrigues adapt to leading a franchise with overseas players, believing her India experience will help. The Capitals, three-time finalists, begin their latest title quest against Mumbai Indians on Sunday.

Key Points: Mithali Raj on Wolvaardt & Rodrigues as DC Captain for WPL 2026

  • Mithali Raj analyzes Delhi Capitals' WPL squad
  • Praises Laura Wolvaardt's form and leadership
  • Discusses Jemimah Rodrigues as new captain
  • DC seeks maiden title after three final losses
  • WPL 2026 season begins January 9
2 min read

"She brings a lot of value to her team": Mithali Raj lauds Delhi Capitals' Laura Wolvaardt ahead of WPL 2026

Mithali Raj lauds Laura Wolvaardt's form and leadership, discusses Jemimah Rodrigues as new Delhi Capitals captain ahead of WPL 2026 season opener.

"She brings a lot of value to her team. - Mithali Raj on Laura Wolvaardt"

New Delhi, January 8

As the clock ticks before the start of the new season of the Women's Premier League 2026, former Indian skipper Mithali Raj dissects the three-time finalists Delhi Capitals' squad and their crucial auction picks, including Laura Wolvaardt.

Raj also discussed the prospect of the franchise's maiden title under a new Captain, Jemimah Rodrigues. Raj spoke about Laura Wolvaardt, her leadership qualities and outstanding form in international cricket.

"Laura Wolvaardt has been in great form in the ODI format. As a batter for the Gujarat Giants over the last couple of seasons, she has been very good and has contributed immensely. She brings a lot of value to her team. In terms of her leadership qualities and the batter that she is, they would definitely love to have her in the playing XI," Mithali Raj said on JioStar.

Ahead of the 2026 season, DC announced Jemimah as their new captain, who will succeed Australia's Meg Lanning. Speaking about Rodrigues taking over as Delhi Capitals captain in WPL 2026, Raj said it would be very interesting to see her lead the side, and that all the experience she has gained playing for India over the years should come naturally to her.

"It would be very interesting to see Jemimah Rodrigues as captain for Delhi Capitals. She has led Mumbai in the domestic circuit, but leading a franchise and having overseas players under you is a little different. That said, with all the experience she has gained playing for India over the years, it should come naturally to her," she added.

Delhi Capitals have reached the finals of all WPL seasons so far but have failed to clinch a trophy. WPL is set to kick off from January 9 with the Mumbai Indians (MI) to take on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

DC will lock horns with MI on Sunday, opening their WPL 2026 season.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Exciting times for WPL! Jemimah leading DC is a bold and good move. She's got the energy and the cricketing brain. But I hope the management gives her full backing. The pressure of being the "forever finalists" is real. Need to break that jinx this year!
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Aman W
Wolvaardt is a fantastic pick, no doubt. But I respectfully disagree with the hype a bit. DC's problem hasn't been batting; it's been closing out tight games. Their bowling in the death overs needs more focus. Hope the new captain addresses that.
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Sarah B
As a cricket fan from abroad following WPL, it's great to see legends like Mithali involved in the commentary. The league's quality keeps rising. Wolvaardt and Rodrigues make a great combo. Can't wait for the opener!
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Kavya N
Jemimah is the perfect choice! She's young, fearless, and understands the Indian conditions so well. Mithali di is right, leading a franchise is different, but if anyone can handle overseas stars with her charm and skill, it's Jemimah. DC, trophy lao ghar! 💙
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Vikram M
Good analysis. The team looks balanced on paper. But three finals lost... that's a mental block now. The first match against MI is crucial. A win there can set the tone. Hoping for a great season for women's cricket!

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