NEW DELHI, Nov 8: Fresh from a match winning performance in India’s historic 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup triumph, opener Shafali Verma, one of the five players retained by Delhi Capitals (DC), said the franchise’s environment has always felt like a family, and they want to carry this spirit into the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season.
Shafali starred in the World Cup final against South Africa, scoring 87 off 78 balls and taking two crucial wickets. “The team has always felt like a family. If you see anyone down, any player will go and make them feel confident,” she said.
“We’ve had this environment since the first season, which the owners, staff, and management have built together. We want to carry that into 2026. We always try to give our best and hopefully lift the cup this time,” Shafali added in a video posted on the franchise’s Instagram account.
Fellow retained star Jemimah Rodrigues, who struck an unbeaten 127 in the semifinal against Australia, expressed gratitude for the franchise’s unwavering support. “This team always stands by each other. Whether we win or lose, we feel the support and freedom to play our way, be it from the owners, coaching staff, or management. This is what makes DC special,” she said.
Alongside Shafali and Jemimah, DC has also retained overseas all-rounders Annabel Sutherland and Marizanne Kapp, as well as uncapped batter Niki Prasad, who captained India to the 2025 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup victory.
“This team is very welcoming right from the start. We’ll definitely put up a really good show and aim to win it this time,” said Niki.
Delhi Capitals will enter the mega auction with 13 available slots and a remaining purse of INR 5.70 crore, with plans to assemble a strong squad for WPL 2026.