New Delhi: Since the establishment of the Women’s Premier League two years ago, the Delhi Capitals have emerged as a formidable force, boasting a well-balanced T20 squad. They secured the top position in the league standings for both 2023 and 2024. However, they have stumbled at critical junctures, finishing as runners-up in both seasons.

As they prepare for WPL 2025, commencing on Friday, the Capitals are eager to overcome this hurdle and claim the championship. Although skipper Meg Lanning has retired from international play, her leadership remains unparalleled in the league. She continues to excel in domestic cricket with Victoria Women, despite a less than stellar season with the Melbourne Stars, where she accumulated 158 runs over nine matches.

In contrast, her opening partner Shafali Verma has been in remarkable form in domestic competitions following her exclusion from the India team. She led the run-scoring in the Senior Women’s One-Day Challenger Trophy, amassing 414 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 82.80. She further showcased her prowess in the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy, scoring 527 runs at an average of 75.29. While Railways opener Pratika Rawal has made a notable impact in ODIs, a strong performance in the WPL could bolster Shafali’s chances for a recall as India prepares to host the ODI World Cup later this year.

The middle order appears robust, with Jemimah Rodrigues maintaining her exceptional form across formats, complemented by the in-form Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, who adds vital balance to the team. Although South African Marizanne Kapp had a lackluster campaign in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), she excelled in The Hundred, scoring 207 runs and taking 11 wickets in nine matches. Notably, she performs well in Indian conditions and remains a significant asset for the Capitals.

The Delhi Capitals also possess a formidable bowling lineup. Veteran pacer Shikha Pandey will be supported by Arundhati Reddy, promising young fast bowler Titas Sadhu, and spinner and exceptional fielder Radha Yadav. With the addition of Australian all-rounder Jess Jonassen, the Capitals boast an impressive bowling attack.

The team, under the guidance of coach Jonathan Batty, has been strengthened by new acquisitions, including Scotland's Sarah Bryce, who ranked as the second-highest run-scorer for the Sydney Sixers in the WBBL and may serve as a significant fifth overseas selection.

Additionally, Niki Prasad, the captain of India's U-19 T20 World Cup-winning team and a spin-bowling all-rounder, has joined the roster, enhancing the squad's overall depth. Taniya Bhatia continues to be a dependable wicketkeeper, while the addition of Nandini Kashyap, a power-hitting wicketkeeper, could prove advantageous in the lower batting order.

The Delhi Capitals are set to commence their WPL 2025 season against the reigning champions, the Mumbai Indians, in Vadodara on February 15. After experiencing disappointments at critical moments in the past, DC will be determined to rectify their previous shortcomings.

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