WPL 2025: Delhi Capitals’ best playing XI for the Women’s Premier League

Since the Women’s Premier League (WPL) began two years ago, Delhi Capitals (DC) have consistently been a dominant force, topping the league table in both 2023 and 2024. However, despite their regular-season success, they have faltered at the final hurdle, finishing as runners-up on both occasions. As they gear up for WPL 2025, the Capitals will be determined to break their title drought and finally lift the coveted trophy.

The Capitals will launch their campaign against defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) on February 15 in Vadodara. After enduring heartbreaks in consecutive finals, the team will be eager to set the record straight and assert their dominance when it matters most. With the tournament kicking off on February 14, five teams will battle for supremacy, but Delhi will have their sights set solely on the championship.

A strong squad under Meg Lanning ready for redemption

The squad remains a formidable unit, with Australian legend Meg Lanning set to lead the side once again. In the WPL 2025 auction, Delhi made a statement by securing all-rounder N Chirani for INR 55 lakh, making her the team’s most expensive buy and the fifth-highest bid of the season. The Capitals also added four new players in the auction, aiming to build a perfectly balanced squad that fosters confidence and depth.

Lanning’s leadership has been instrumental in Delhi Capitals’ consistency, guiding them to the top of the points table in both previous seasons with six wins in eight matches. However, the team has struggled to replicate that dominance in the finals. As they enter their third campaign, Delhi will be focused on shedding their “runner-up” tag and proving that they are more than just a league-stage powerhouse.

Delhi Capitals’ best playing XI for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025

1. Top-Order Stability & Aggression

• Shafali Verma (Opener – Power Hitter)

1. Role: A fearless top-order batter known for her aggressive approach. She sets the tone for the innings with her explosive stroke play and ability to take on bowlers from ball one.
2. Impact: Provides Delhi Capitals with blistering starts, allowing the middle-order to build on the momentum. Her ability to dominate the powerplay overs makes her one of the most dangerous batters in the WPL.
3. Strength: Exceptional hand-eye coordination, ability to clear the infield effortlessly, and a high strike rate that puts pressure on the opposition from the outset.

• Meg Lanning (Opener & Captain – Anchor & Leader)

1. Role: An experienced batter and a tactical mastermind who holds the innings together while leading the team with a calm and composed approach. She balances aggression with stability, ensuring consistency at the top.
2. Impact: Plays a pivotal role in guiding the innings, anchoring the team through tricky phases, and making crucial decisions under pressure. As a leader, her tactical acumen helps in match-winning strategies.
3. Strength: Incredible game awareness, adaptability across conditions, and an ability to accelerate when required while maintaining a high average.

• Jemimah Rodrigues (Middle-Order – Stroke Player & Stabilizer)

1. Role: A technically sound middle-order batter who can anchor the innings and shift gears when required. She plays an essential role in handling spin in the middle overs.
2. Impact: Acts as the backbone of the batting lineup, ensuring stability while also accelerating when needed. Her ability to rotate the strike efficiently keeps the scoreboard ticking.
3. Strength: Elegant stroke play, exceptional footwork against spin, and the ability to guide chases with well-calculated innings.

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2. All-Round Balance & Middle-Order Firepower

• Marizanne Kapp (All-rounder – Seam Bowler & Finisher)

1. Role: A world-class all-rounder who provides a dual advantage with her accurate seam bowling and aggressive batting in the lower middle order. She is a key match-winner with both bat and ball.
2. Impact: Offers vital breakthroughs with the new ball and in death overs while also playing impactful cameos with the bat. Her ability to perform in pressure situations makes her a crucial asset.
3. Strength: Generates movement with the ball, possesses a calm temperament under pressure, and has the power-hitting ability to accelerate in the final overs.

• Taniya Bhatia (Wicketkeeper – Agile Keeper & Support Batter)

1. Role: A highly skilled wicketkeeper known for her quick reflexes and ability to execute sharp stumpings. She provides stability in the lower order with handy contributions.
2. Impact: Strengthens Delhi’s fielding unit with her sharp glovework while also playing valuable supporting innings when required. She is especially effective against spinners, keeping them in check.
3. Strength: Quick glove work behind the stumps, excellent anticipation skills, and adaptability to different match situations.

• Annabel Sutherland (All-rounder – Medium-Pace Bowler & Hard-Hitting Finisher)

1. Role: A dynamic all-rounder who contributes as a reliable medium-pace bowler and a power hitter in the middle-lower order. She can change the course of a match with both skills.
2. Impact: Adds depth to both batting and bowling, giving Delhi Capitals flexibility in team composition. Her ability to clear boundaries in the latter half of the innings is crucial.
3. Strength: Versatile with bat and ball, consistent in executing yorkers and slower deliveries, and known for her ability to accelerate at the death.

• Shikha Pandey (All-rounder – Experienced Seamer & Lower-Order Contributor)

1. Role: A veteran pace bowler who provides control with the new ball and in the death overs, while also chipping in with handy lower-order runs.
2. Impact: Plays a crucial role in breaking partnerships and controlling the run rate. Her experience and composure make her a reliable bowling option in pressure situations.
3. Strength: Ability to swing the ball both ways, consistent line and length, and the temperament to deliver in high-pressure situations.

3. Spin Depth & Bowling Strength

• Jess Jonassen (All-rounder – Left-Arm Spinner & Middle-Order Stabilizer)

1. Role: A seasoned left-arm spinner who provides control and wickets in the middle overs while being a useful contributor with the bat in the lower order.
2. Impact: Disrupts opposition batting momentum with her variations while also offering a handy batting option to finish off innings when needed.
3. Strength: Great accuracy, deceptive flight, and ability to perform under pressure, especially in high-stakes matches.

• Radha Yadav (Spinner – Left-Arm Orthodox & Partnership Breaker)

1. Role: A wicket-taking left-arm spinner who thrives in the middle overs by breaking crucial partnerships and restricting the run flow.
2. Impact: Plays a key role in controlling the innings, especially against aggressive batters. She can turn the game with quick breakthroughs.
3. Strength: Excellent control over length and pace, sharp turn, and strong temperament in crunch situations and also a gun fielder.

• Arundhati Reddy (Pacer – Bowling All-rounder & Lower-Order Hitter)

1. Role: A right-arm medium pacer who provides an extra pace option and can chip in with useful lower-order runs.
2. Impact: Adds versatility to the bowling lineup with her ability to generate movement and bowl in different match phases. She is also a capable finisher with the bat.
3. Strength: Consistent execution of slower balls, good control over length, and ability to handle pressure in the death overs.

• Titas Sadhu (Fast Bowler – Emerging Talent & Young Pace Sensation)

1. Role: A young and promising pacer with the ability to generate swing and extract bounce from the pitch. She adds raw pace to Delhi’s attack.
2. Impact: Capable of rattling batters with her natural speed and movement, she provides early breakthroughs and can be a future spearhead of the pace attack.
3. Strength: Strong bowling mechanics, ability to trouble batters with extra bounce, and immense potential to become a match-winner.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.