Jemimah Rodrigues Aims to Break Delhi Capitals' 'Chokers' Reputation in WPL
New Leadership for Delhi Capitals
Jemimah Rodrigues, the newly appointed captain of the Delhi Capitals (DC), is optimistic about shedding the 'chokers' label that has plagued the Women's Premier League (WPL) franchise. Despite reaching the finals multiple times, DC has yet to secure a championship title. As the team gears up for the 2026 season, Jemimah takes over the captaincy from Australia's Meg Lanning.
During a recent media interaction, Jemimah acknowledged the team's consistent performance over the past three seasons, despite their struggles in the finals. She drew inspiration from the Indian women's cricket team, which overcame its own 'chokers' reputation by winning the 2025 ODI Women's World Cup. Jemimah believes that with hard work and perseverance, DC's time to win will eventually arrive.
Overcoming Challenges
Shedding the 'Chokers' Tag
"For the last three years, DC has played exceptional cricket and has been the standout team in the tournament. Although we faced setbacks in the finals, time has a way of changing circumstances. We witnessed this transformation with the Indian women's team, who were once labeled chokers but eventually triumphed. We have remained committed to our hard work and belief that our moment will come," Jemimah stated during a media roundtable hosted by Delhi Capitals.
Learning from a Great Leader
Learning from Predecessor Meg Lanning
Jemimah expressed her admiration for Meg Lanning's leadership, noting that she gained valuable insights from discussions about captaincy. She highlighted Lanning's ability to lead at a young age and credited her guidance for DC's success in reaching three consecutive WPL finals. Jemimah considers Lanning one of the greatest captains she has played under and is eager to apply what she has learned in the upcoming season.
"Last year, I sought her advice on captaincy and how she managed the team over the past three seasons. She shared her experiences on handling leadership at a young age, which has been incredibly beneficial for me," Rodrigues added.
"I am excited for this season. Meg has been an outstanding captain for DC, and I couldn't have asked for a better mentor. I look forward to implementing her lessons this time around," she concluded.